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Mr Cowie, president of Actively Conserving Trentham (ACT), said, "Earlier this year the premier personally announced significant changes to the anachronistic policy of logging and woodchipping native forests. The announcement was generally welcomed by conservation groups until it became apparent that the issues around sustainability, woodchipping, and flora and fauna conservation would only change when it suited the industry and the union."
"All indications are that the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) is continuing to ignore the recommendations of an independent inquiry ? set up by the Bracks Government to investigate these matters ? by sanctioning ongoing unsustainable logging and woodchipping of the Wombat Forest."
"At 58,000 cubic tones per annum, the gazetted yield/volume figures are still some 700% higher than those recently recommended to the Minister for Environment and Conservation by an independent expert. Furthermore, the public need to be aware that extra logging crews have been contracted to cut the local forests, that associated harvesting activities are continuing well into the night in many coupes, and that some operations are working seven days per week."
"This appalling state of affairs is clear evidence that the Our Forests, Our Future policy released personally by the premier, was nothing more than a clever diversionary tactic by the Bracks Government."
"The further frustration for the Trentham community is that DNRE is
hell-bent on destroying the last of the magnificent old, giant habitat
trees in the local forest surrounding the township. Ultimately,
the Bracks Government is sponsoring the destruction of the long-term survival
of the endangered breeding pair of powerful owls, which have recently returned
to the area to mate."
"With an election drawing closer, local MPs Geoff Howard and Joanne Duncan must be feeling extremely anxious about their prospects of re-election given the manner in which the Victorian Australian Labor Party manages native forests such as the Wombat Forest."
Mr Cowie went on to say, "We are calling on Premier Bracks to explain to communities in and around the Wombat Forest why this precious, but quickly disappearing, asset should be plundered and damaged in the way the government is authorising. Until then, the community remains determined and resolute in its commitment to prevent this senseless destruction taking place."
For further information, contact:
Mark Cowie on 0429 410 192.
Actively Conserving Trentham
PO Box 191 Trentham
Victoria 3458
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