"Victorians have rallied to the protection of their native forests in both the east and west of the state" said Dr Rod Anderson of Environment Victoria.
Today environmentalists have entered three logging areas of East Gippsland. These forests, in the Combienbar region, Hammond's Road adjacent to the Errinundra National Park and the Goolengook Catchment all contain old growth and heritage forest.
The forest protests began in the Otways last week a few days before eleven protesters appearing in the Geelong Court had their charges dismissed.
It was found that illegal logging had taken place in an Otways water
reserve and along a government road reserve. Costs were awarded against
the Government.
"Protests continue in the Otways today and are likely to continue"
said Ms Geraldine Ryan of Environment Victoria "because the Regional Forest
Agreements fail to address protection for native forests, including those
with heritage status and considered valuable in scientific reports."
"Victorians will not stand by and see their forests destroyed by an
industry that refuses to admit it is no longer saw-log driven but is, in
reality, a woodchip industry" she added.
Environment Victoria is concerned that, as well as arrests in East
Gippsland today, a peaceful protester was the victim of serious assault
last week in the well known Cumberland River area of the Otway Ranges west
of Geelong. The protester, felled by a blow to the head which rendered
him unconscious, was taken to Lorne Hospital.
"Minister Tehan must listen to the wishes of the people of Victoria
and stand up for the protection of the state's remaining native forests.
After all she is the Conservation Minister." said Dr Anderson.