The Premier of Victoria
The Hon. Steve Bracks MP, Premier
Parliament House
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia

23rd November 2000

Dear Premier Bracks

An open letter to Australian state governments and wood chip companies

We, the undersigned groups, represent 30 million Japanese consumers on matters concerning environment and food safety.

We sincerely request that Australian state governments and wood chip companies immediately cease the supply of wood chips from Australian primary (old growth) forests to Japanese paper manufacturers.

Japanese consumers are gravely concerned about the adverse environmental impacts of logging primary forests for wood chips. In particular we are alarmed at the destruction of irreplaceable and unique ecosystems associated with wood chipping, the resulting massive release of carbon which contributes to global warming, and the impact on Earth's biodiversity, unique parts of which have become symbolic of Australia, such as the Koala.

From our discussions with experts, we understand there is sufficient and superior plantation wood available to allow Australian governments and companies to replace primary forest woodchips with plantation wood chips without lowering export volumes. We also understand that the native forest wood chipping industry employs very few people, and that employment could be increased through development of existing plantations and tourism.

We believe that Australian state governments have a vital role to play in creating an economic climate suitable for this immediate transition to take place, and wood chip companies as good global citizens should adopt ethical policies and practices.

As Japan's largest non-government umbrella organisation and concerned consumers, we sincerely hope that Australian state governments and wood chip companies will immediately choose to fulfil our wishes for Japanese paper products free from Australian primary forest wood chips.

Yours sincerely,

Nobuko Hiwasa
Secretary General
Shodanren. CJ