Police used metal-cutting equipment to remove eight people who had locked themselves to earth-moving machinery with chains, thumb locks and wrist locks.

Nine people were arrested for trespass.

In May, the Liberal Party's workplace relations spokesman Jeremy Rockliff introduced a bill making it an offence to approach a workplace with the intention of "hindering access for workers, or causing a fear, risk or hazard, or to damage equipment in a workplace".

Offenders would face a maximum penalty of two years' jail. "These protests jeopardise businesses that have already been hit hard by the signing of the disastrous forestry agreement, and they are damaging the forestry industry beyond repair," Mr Rockliff said yesterday.

Premier Lara Giddings said she supported the right to express opposition to the pulp mill, but not in a way that endangered lives.

"I don't believe though that it's right to be trying to interrupt the work and progress on what is a project that has abided by all the laws." She said national reforms to occupational health and safety would address the issue.

Legislation will be introduced into State Parliament in line with the agreed changes next month.

"The important aspect is to ensure that we do have the laws available to ensure that people can be dealt with appropriately when they are putting their lives at risk and the lives of workers at risk."

The new legislation will require anyone at a workplace, including protesters, to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and comply with orders given by the person conducting the business.