A STRIDENT opponent of the forestry peace agreement is expected to put forward a proposal that may secure enough support from MLCs to see the enacting legislation pass but lose the support of key environmental groups.
In the latest twist in the process, Huon independent MLC Paul Harriss is considering tabling an amendment to delay protection of about 290,000 hectares of forests for six months.
That would leave only the 123,000 hectares nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage Wilderness area in the South- West immediately protected if the controversial legislation passes.
Mr Harriss said it was unreasonable to grant 80 per cent of the conservation groups' 500,000-hectare claim straight away.
"Given industry are expected to give up lots and lots and lots of productive land, and what are the environment groups giving up? Nothing but ideology," Mr Harriss said.
He described the change as providing a "safety net" if the "stupid legislation" passed.
The amendment is expected to win the support of Elwick independent MLC Adriana Taylor, who is seeking significant changes before she would consider backing the bill.
However, the Wilderness Society and Environment Tasmania are opposed to any reduction that they consider a core element of the delicately balanced deal. Without their support, the lower house may not ratify the changes.
Yesterday, Deputy Premier Bryan Green warned Mr Harriss to be careful.
"If he stands in his office window and looks out to the front of Parliament onto the lawns, he will see there is not a soul there protesting for his side of the story, and vice versa," Mr Green said.
"Being smart by half to try to kill the bill off through the signatories by taking a step too far, I think is just completely unproductive for our state and will set our state back decades," he said.
