This week’s news of yet another injunction preventing the proper management of forest resources is another step on the road to total disaster, according to Australian Forest Contractors Association general manager Tim Lester. Source: Timberbiz
“It is an absolute myth that forests managed for timber production among other benefits is incompatible with protecting biodiversity. Indeed the opposite is true. And we know that of things that do threaten biodiversity, bush fire is right up there while controlled timber harvesting doesn’t even make the list,” Mr Lester said.
The Supreme Court in Victoria has ordered a halt to removal of fallen trees from a coupe in the Wombat State Forest until 31 October when the court will reconvene to hear further evidence.
In issuing the order on Tuesday, Supreme Court Justice Melinda Richards stated she did not accept the argument that the fallen trees needed to be removed to reduce the fire hazard “because I came to the view that the evidence did not support the claim”.
A large number of trees fell during storms in 2021 creating significant amounts of debris across the forest floor. Salvage operations had been underway for firewood.
But environmentalists have argued the more than 600,000 tonnes of rapidly drying windblown trees left lying on the Wombat Forest floor “are not considered a major cause of fire risk”.
“The forest contractors working in this forest are extremely experienced and understand how the forest can be managed to enhance environmental values and reduce the risks presented by a fire,” Mr Lester said.
“Right now access into and through the forest is almost impossible. By not moving this timber we will create a ticking time bomb and a disaster waiting to happen. In coming decades fuel loads will build up and when the fire comes it will be incredibly dangerous. It will need specialist skills, equipment and knowledge to combat.
“But the way we are heading now, there won’t be anyone left because the jobs and industries that keep people in those communities and that pay for those services are being pushed out the door,” he said.
“The Federal Government has just held a two-day summit in Canberra talking about bushfire preparation and responses, while a skilled workforce of forest contractors is being allowed to wither away.
“It’s a case of careful what you wish for. In the effort to save species that don’t need to be saved in that area we are just creating other problems for generations to come.”
