The Strathbogie Shire Council is calling on the Victorian Government to end native forest logging and protect the Strathbogie Forest in new conservation reserve. The 5-2 council decision came on the back of a new community-fund report recommending protection of the Strathbogie forest in a new conservation reserve. Council argues that the future of the Strathbogie Forest should be based on tourism and recreational activity and forestry operations in the existing softwood plantations. Source: Timberbiz
The community-produced report recommended that the Victorian Government enable the formal protection of the Strathbogie Forest under the National Parks Act, encompassing all of the existing State Forest and other associated public land, as part of its election commitments in 2018.
Mount Wombat Ward Councillor Alistair Thomson was one of the five councillors in favour of the motion, saying it was important for Council to take a stand on the matter.
“We cannot stand back and risk the extinction of species like the Greater Glider for an activity that produces no net benefit for residents,” Cr Thomson had said.
“Society needs hardwood and this need should be met by mixed species plantation forests that produce income for landowners and employment for those who will maintain these private forests,” he said.
But, lone campaigner Mark Blackberry, a man associated with the timber industry for years, found time to take a shot at Council for its rate increases and also its anti-logging stance.
“It’s rate time again, $2000 what a bummer. I believe it’s a waste, as I don’t get value for money. However, what upsets me more is Strathbogie Shire Council’s recent vote, 5/2 in favour, of closing the Strathbogie Forest to logging.
“So, we are to close the forest to logging to save various endangered flora and fauna.
“I have not seen one piece of evidence of such animal losses presented.
“We are now encouraged to plant plantations on the tableland, yet the Shire of Strathbogie has in place a bylaw prohibiting the planting of pines as it will be detrimental to the community structure… that in itself is confusing.”
He said that the icing on the cake came with the advice “we should enjoy our recreation in the softwood forests of Strathbogie”.
“These forests are managed by Hancock Victoria Plantations, and I understand public access to these forests is not allowed except with permission. The native forest has two camping grounds, one of which is completely inaccessible.
“Which brings me back to the obvious question how much council land is to be planted for future logging? None I suspect!”
