The Bob Brown Foundation's legal battle to stop native forest logging in Tasmania has come to an apparent end, with the High Court rejecting the conservation group's appeal bid.
The foundation was seeking to appeal a Federal Court judgment that validated the island state's regional forestry agreement (RFA).
Dr Brown says the High Court decision would "send shock waves through the majority of Australians who want our forests saved".
In a legal challenge dubbed the "Great Forest Case", his foundation had argued Tasmania's regional forestry agreement is invalid because it does not properly protect threatened native animals.
"(The) abysmal High Court decision highlights his failure to protect the threatened iconic forests and wildlife of our nation," the former federal Greens leader said in a statement on Thursday.
"The bizarre state of affairs where Commonwealth responsibility for protection of endangered species and their habitats ... is deferred to state agencies devoted to destroying them is upheld."
"The RFAs are a spectacular failure in protection of forests harbouring a long list of birds, animals, insects and plants headed for extinction, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, black cockatoos and greater gliders."
Tasmania's Liberal government, Labor opposition, peak forestry body and state-owned forestry company Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) all supported the earlier Federal Court ruling.
State Resources Minister Guy Barnett said the High Court decision cements the validity of Tasmania's regional forestry agreement "beyond doubt".
"(It) is underpinned by a strong and comprehensive Forest Management System that delivers ecologically sustainable forest management," he said.
"I sincerely hope (the Bob Brown Foundation) accept the umpire's decision and cease their relentless campaign against Tasmanian workers and their families."
Tasmania's forestry industry has said it employs more than 5700 people, directly and indirectly.
Federal Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Jonno Duniam, said the ruling was a win for common sense and regional economies.
The Federal Court judgment agreed with STT that there is a broader suite of environmental protections in force in Tasmania.
Australian Associated Press
