The Federal Government's decision to hand almost $25 million to Cement Australia's Railton facility is yet another subsidy for native forest destruction, the Greens say.
Documents released to the Senate show the project will use biomass from native forests as part of its alternative fuel mix, funded by the ironically named "Clean Energy Industries" grant.
"This is an embarrassing climate blunder by Minister Bowen that risks locking in higher emissions and the ongoing destruction of Tasmania's precious native forests," Greens Forests spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
"Global markets for native forest woodchips are in decline."
"If the federal government is serious about climate action the easiest, quickest emissions reduction would be from ending native forest logging once and for all."
"This funding is yet another subsidy for Tasmania's mendicant native forest logging industry that could create new domestic demand for a product that destroys climate and nature."
"Railton Cement should immediately rule out burning Tasmania's native forests or be prepared to face significant damage to its reputation and brand."
Minister Bowen's letter to the Senate can be found here.
