TIMBER giant Gunns Limited has succeeded in having its civil damages case against environmentalists heard, after four attempts. More than two years after the case began, the Victorian Supreme Court accepted that allegations against 14 people over anti-logging protests in Tasmania could proceed. Previous statements of claim had been dismissed.
But Gunns' legal pursuit of up to six others, including Greens leader Bob Brown, is over, along with further claims that the environmentalists caused damage outside Tasmania.
Justice Bernard Bongiorno yesterday lifted a stay order on the matter.
He is allowing the case to proceed as one case and giving the 14 defendants until May 4 to respond to Gunns' claims.
The defendants include the Wilderness Society and its leaders, and a local green group, the Huon Valley Environment Centre.
They are alleged to have harmed Gunns in direct actions at its Hampshire woodchip plant near Burnie; twice at its Triabunna plant on Tasmania's east coast; and at logging coupes at Lucaston in the Huon Valley and in the Styx Valley.
A total of $339,699 in general and special damages is being claimed, plus unspecified aggravated and exemplary damages.
The case against others was dismissed without adjudication on its merits.
The others were Senator Brown, Tasmanian Greens' leader Peg Putt, activist and author Helen Gee, Burnie dentist Peter Pullinger and the organisation Doctors for Native Forests.
Action also ceased against a Hobart physician, Frank Nicklason.
Gunns has dropped several claims, including one of a conspiracy against the company.
By Andrew Darby