Red gum harvesting ends in proposed parks

Commercial timber harvesting has ended in two of the most important parts of Victoria’s River Red Gum country following the Brumby Government’s decision to protect iconic areas along the Murray River.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said all commercial timber industry licences will cease at the end of the day in the proposed Gunbower and Barmah national parks.
The milestone means that by the end of the day, timber harvesting will have ceased in all 160,000ha of the Red Gum parks and reserves proposed by the Brumby Labor Government.
“The end of timber harvesting is part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to protect the River Red Gum Forests so they can be enjoyed by future generations,” Jennings said.
“Climate change and drought are currently threatening these forests, with estimates that as many as 70% of trees on some stretches of the Murray are either dead or dying.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to protect these forests by preparing for the addition of around 160,000 hectares in conservation reserves along Victoria’s Murray River corridor with the creation of the Lower Goulburn River, Warby-Ovens, Gunbower and Barmah National Parks.”
Jennings said that commercial timber operators will no longer harvest trees in Barmah and Gunbower but are permitted until August 31 to remove timber purchased and harvested before June 30. No harvesting currently takes place in the remaining two proposed parks.
“So there still may be some timber industry activity in the proposed national park areas, but no harvesting,” Jennings said.
“Timber harvesting will continue in the remaining Guttram, Gunbower and Benwell State Forests with the 120 year old Koondrook-based Arbuthnot Sawmills winning the tender to harvest up to 8,400 cubic metres (equivalent) of River Red Gum logs. Arbuthnot will begin harvesting operations in the remaining State forests from today.
“It is important for local communities that we protect these iconic forests and allow sustainable timber harvesting where possible in the remaining State forests,” Jennings said
River Red Gum forest workers will receive information about the Red Gum Workers Assistance Program and employment opportunities in the new national parks and conservation reserves in over the next week. The Government will facilitate a quick turn around of applications to ensure timber workers aren’t disadvantaged.
Jennings said the Brumby Government would ensure that communities around the proposed national parks would not be left out in the cold during the establishment of the new national parks, in terms of the collection of firewood.
Up until no later than 30 June 2011, people will still be able to collect residual timber from the forest floor at specifically designated firewood collection sites following sawlog harvesting operations that occurred before today. It is envisaged that some firewood will also become available as a result of a yet-to-be established thinnings program.