11 day anti logging coup blockade ends
A blockade by anti-logging activists that brought timber harvesting on a VicForests coup at Icy Creek has ended after 11 days.
A protester from the group Forest Conservation Victoria blockaded the site by being suspended in a tree 25 metres above the ground on a platform tied to logging machinery.
A media release issued by the group said the protest was part of its campaign to end logging in native forests.
The action was condemned by Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood who said it was illegal and cost contractors and taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
He said such incidents required Victoria Police’s special search and rescue squad based in Melbourne to remove the protesters that were willingly breaking the law.
“It is illegal for unauthorised people to be within 150 metres of a coup being logged”.
It is like the action that led to the Gippy Goat enterprise at Yarragon having to close after activists trespassed on the property and stole animals, he said.
“All that seems to happen is that if they are taken to court they get a slap on the wrist, paltry fine and no conviction is recorded,” Mr Blackwood added.
He said the illegal activity at Icy Creek last week had cost the logging contractor many thousands of dollars, its workers employed on contract lost their wages and timber haulage contractors also lost income,” he said.
Spokesperson for the protesters Christine Schuringa, who spent several days at the Icy Creek site said it was now likely VicForests would recommence logging there.
When asked whether acting illegally to stop timber harvesting was appropriate she said she thought the issue was of such importance that the action was justified.
A statement from FCV issued after the blockade ended said threatened Tree Geebungs had been found in the coupe last week.
It said 14 mature trees of the species had been detected and there was evidence six had already been felled.
FCV said there had been no response by the Department of Environment to its report of the fimndings.
Mr Blackwood said if the protesters have a problem with the law they should go to those that make the laws, the parliament, not stop people from legally making their livings.
The only change to the law advocated by FCV in its statement last week was for “stronger environmental laws”.
An FVC member quoted in the media release last week said it was “appalling the Victorian government logs these places”.