A review of Victoria’s logging industry will examine the potential for new national parks in the state’s east but logging in native forests is expected to continue. Source: The Age
In a release the state government revealed long-awaited terms of reference for an industry taskforce it has established to navigate the explosive battles between loggers and environmentalists over the state’s native forests.
The taskforce will investigate issues including protection of threatened species such as the Leadbeater’s possum, job protection and economic activity.
Consideration of developing new forest plantations is also included.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the taskforce would work to reach “consensus” about the future of the forests and wood products industry.
“This is a historic step forward for the future of our forests in Victoria,” Mr Andrews said.
Unions and forest conservation groups were among those that developed the terms of reference. But Greens forest spokesperson Samantha Dunn said it was disappointing that native forests would continue to be logged.
“The taskforce’s first job should be to defer logging across the remaining Leadbeater’s possum habitat,” she said.
“The government needs to get on with the job of transitioning away from native forest logging and focus on plantations.”
Green groups have been campaigning in particular for a new national park covering the forests of the state’s central highlands in order to protect Leadbeater’s possum and other endangered species.
