2016-09-09
The Victorian Government is allowing native forest logging to continue indefinitely, following the long awaited release of the Forest Industry Taskforce Statement of Intent.
“There’s still no plan to transition out of native forest logging and create the Great Forest National Park,” Greens forests spokesperson Samantha Dunn said.
“Every day seven MCGs of native forest is logged, bringing critically endangered species like the Leadbeater’s Possum closer to extinction.
"With less than five years supply of native forest, beginning a full transition to sustainable commercial plantations is long overdue.
“The Premier needs to act quickly to secure future jobs, boost the local economy through tourism and ensure the protection of Victoria’s forests.
“The lack of the moratorium on native forest logging is not a surprise given the Premier stacked the taskforce with industry groups and the forestry division of the CFMEU. What is a surprise is the lack of transition to protect workers and their jobs.
“I thank the environment groups involved in the taskforce who have continued to stand up for our forests and contributed an enormous amount of their own time.
"The Andrews Government was elected on the promise that its plan for Victoria’s forest management would reflect the values of the whole community. Currently, 89 percent of Victorians support the Great Forest National Park.”
Further information:
- The Forest Industry Taskforce was established "for the major stakeholders to reach common ground on a durable, long-term set of recommendations and proposals to government, about future issues facing the industry, job protection, economic activity, protection of our unique native flora and fauna and threatened species, such as the Leadbeater's possum.
- The Great Forest National Park would create a network of conservation reserves to protect threatened species and "enhance important ecosystem functions including clean air and clean water," according to a joint statement by environment groups.