Council takes stance on Strathbogie State Forest

Thursday, 18 October, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Council has endorsed support for an end to logging and better protection of the Strathbogie State Forest.

Council moved the following motion at its recent Ordinary Meeting:

That Council:

Call on the Victorian State Government to cease native timber harvesting activities in the Strathbogie Forest. Call on the Victorian Government to accelerate the transition from native timber harvesting in Victoria, to plantation-based timber supply with changes to taxation incentives, and advocacy to the Federal Government for changes to regulations to give plantation timber better access to carbon farming schemes. Support the establishment of a protected conservation area under the National Parks Act 1975, encompassing all of the existing Strathbogie State Forest and associated public land. Promote the economic future of the Strathbogie Forest as focussed on nature-based tourism and recreational activities and work with local groups and regional tourism bodies to achieve this. Notify the Victorian Government Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Environment, as well as Local, State and Federal Members, of this resolution.

Mount Wombat Ward Councillor Alistair Thomson said it was important for Council to take a stand on the matter.

“We cannot stand back and risk the extinction of species like the Greater Glider for an activity that produces no net benefit for residents,” Cr Thomson explained.

“Society needs hardwood. This need should be met by mixed species plantation forests that produce income for landowners and employment for those who will maintain these private forests.”

“A conserved Strathbogie Forest can continue to be enjoyed for recreational activities by residents and opens up the opportunity for ecotourism activity,” Cr Thomson said.

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