ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners opposed to logging in Tasmania are facing an uphill battle after timber giant Gunns was given the go-ahead to proceed with a lawsuit against them. Victoria's Supreme Court yesterday lifted a stay of proceedings imposed last August, clearing the way for the company to sue 14 environmentalists over their anti-logging protests.
Gunns first launched legal action against 20 environmental groups or individuals - including two Greens politicians - in December 2004, citing their damaging campaigns and other activities against the company.
The court threw out the original statement of claim, as well as two subsequent attempts to sue the protesters.
Greens leader Bob Brown yesterday warned the case could drag on for years, exacting a heavy toll on the defendants.
"It is a traumatic episode for all the environmentalists involved and it is going to be an immense burden on them, both on their ability to get on with their lives and on their wellbeing," Senator Brown said.
Judge Bernard Bongiorno said Gunns had surrendered its bid to sue Senator Brown, Tasmanian Greens leader Peg Putt and four other defendants.
But he gave the go-ahead for the company to continue with a revised claim against 14 defendants, which campaigners fear could ultimately cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"The manifest unfairness of this process ... continues," Senator Brown said, adding that "those who defend the forests" should not be facing legal action.

"It is those who want to uphold our national environment legislation who are in court."
Gunns was ordered to pay the costs of the six defendants, while the 14 remaining campaigners were told to file their defence statements by May 4.
A spokeswoman for Gunns said the company would not comment because it was a legal matter before the courts.