Forestry contractors are surprised by news of Tasmanian timber company Gunns pulling out from logging operations. Reports in the financial media have led to speculations of a halt in logging Tasmania's native forests as early as December this year.

Ed Vincent from the Tasmanian Forest Contractors' Association said, "I haven't been privy to any discussions with Gunns which indicate a four-month timescale of their exit." He is also not certain if the decision to close logging operations is part of the negotiations with various industry groups and environmental non-government organizations.

Gunns has remained silent about the timeline. However, Gunns' chief executive Greg L'Estrange said, “We need to get this resolved sooner rather than later and transition our industry... to a modern forest industry in Tasmania that largely is centered around the construction of a world-class pulp mill.”

Premier David Bartlett refused to speculate on the issue so as to avoid compromising peace talks among Gunns, the forest industry, and green groups. He assured, though, consultations will be made before a final decision is reached.

Even the state's Environment Minister, David O'Byrne, took a hands off stand by saying “I think any resolution on the question of forestry in Tasmania is best left with those people responsible... It's very valid that Tasmanians should be part of our future economic direction.”

Recently, Gunns sold more than 27,000 hectares of native forests.