Pressure is mounting on the Victorian Government to declare where it stands on a proposal to develop the Great Forest National Park, east of Melbourne. Source: The Weekly Times
The proposal for 355,000 hectares of protected forests across the Eastern Victorian Central Highlands — including much of Victoria’s native logging coups — has won the support of Sir David Attenborough.
Following the Government’s purchase of the Heyfield timber mill, the Labor Environment Action Network, a green group within the Australian Labor Party, has taken the unusual step of making a public statement in support of a new national park.
LEAN describes itself as a network of grassroots ALP members and supporters concerned about the health of the planet, and is understood to have about 2000 members nationally.
“The Heyfield situation goes to show how urgently we need a detailed transition plan for Victoria’s native forestry industry,” LEAN’s Victorian Co-convener Matt Landolfo told The Weekly Times.
“The Government has to ensure workers and communities are well looked after, but we can’t pretend that forest ecosystems aren’t in serious trouble either.
“There’s still a viable future for timber and wood products in Victoria but not at the expense of our water supply, carbon storage and endangered species.”
Logging lobby group Victorian Association of Forest Industries said if established, the proposed park would see regional communities that rely on the timber industry struggle to survive.
“It will cost thousands of jobs and it will have devastating consequences for the industry, which in turn will have a direct impact socially and economically for all of Victoria,” VAFI chief executive Tim Johnston said.
Asked where the Government stood on the Great Forest National Park proposal, a spokesman said it was “serious” about the future of the environment and forest industries.
“Government is continuing to consult with industry, unions, the conservation movement, and recreational user groups,” he said.
