2016-05-04
After fierce questioning by Greens Spokesperson for Forests, Samantha Dunn, Labor has backed down and granted a temporary reprieve to the Leadbeater's Possums who live in the Imperium Logging Coupe located in Toolangi.
"It is unbelievable that Imperium was declared an active coupe when less than two weeks ago citizen scientists identified the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum living in the coupe.
"What makes matters worse is VicForests have declared an intention to log this coupe before the Department of Environment (DELWP) have even had a chance to complete the government's own survey.
"It seems VicForests are a law unto themselves, they denied any ability to 'swap out' Imperium coupe. I'm over hearing time and time again that VicForests are protecting Leadbeater's Possums. It is evident that current VicForest practices don't comply with what is required to prevent the species being logged to extinction.
"I'm glad Labor has halted any logging and reigned in VicForests for now, but it's only temporary and the future of the Leadbeater's Possum in the region still hangs in the balance.
"It's ironic that this is going on while the Draft National Recovery Plan for Leadbeater's Possum is calling for public submissions.
"The best way to protect the Leadbeater's Possum is to stop logging its habitat.
Contact: Samantha Dunn - (03) 9850 8600