Snapshot of the past

Claims have been made that the ALP is divided – at Federal and State levels – over plans to end native timber logging in Victoria by 2030.

State shadow minister for agriculture and deputy leader of the opposition Peter Walsh said the state ALP’s stance to ban logging was not shared by its Federal colleagues.

Mr Walsh quoted a Melbourne based ALP Federal senator Raff Ciconne who, he said, in reference to the logging ban had told parliament last week that “every one of these jobs is of value. Every single one is important and worth fighting for”.

And Mr Walsh labelled it bizarre that agriculture minister Jacylyn Symes, speaking in State parliament, blamed diminishing timber supply on the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Walsh said thousands of jobs in the $7.3 billion industry were at risk due to the State government’s decision.

He said 100 jobs had already been lost in East Gippsland and 80 machines were parked up in yards because loggers can’t access timber coupes.

Earlier this month the Federal Court ruled VicForests had breached environmental laws by logging in 26 coupes in the Central Highlands area of Victoria and a further 41 coupes were also unlikely to comply.

The court found that logging was likely to have a significant impact on the greater glider and/or Leadbetter’s possum species.

VicForests will appeal the decision.

A new study just published by five landscape scientists at the University of Melbourne claims forestry operations would reduce the Leadbetter’s possum habitat by only 1.4 to 2.3 per cent if it continued for the next 250 years.

The study led by associate professor, forest and landscape dynamics, Craig Nitschke concluded that across hundreds of thousands of hectares bushfires posed the greatest threat to species’ habitats.

The scientists findings stated historical conservation strategies that took a static, site-based approach were doomed to fail in dynamic landscapes, particularly fire-prone landscapes in a warming climate.

The research was funded by the Australian Research Council, Victorian department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and VicForests.

A photograph of the Regent Court Arcade in the early 1950s.

This arcade, running between Victoria and Smith streets, is now known as Warragul Plaza or Cinema Arcade.

Although locals are now spoilt for choice when in need of a coffee, this photograph shows the first restaurant to serve expresso coffee in Warragul. The sign outside reads Wintergarden Restaurant.

This shop on the left is currently occupied by The Bean Scene but over the years it has had many tenants, including a pet shop.

Further down is Albert H Fox Pty Ltd Sales and Service. At a later date, the next shop was taken over by Albert Fox to allow his store to be converted into larger premises. It is currently Ellstyle Boutique. Older readers will remember the sounds of piano music reverberating through the arcade when Albert played.

Prior to the building of the arcade, the property was part of the Bloomfield Co-operative Butter Factory holdings. On the Victoria St end was their store and a walk through to Smith St with various tenants. These tenants included the Radio 3UL Friendly Circle in clubrooms situated on a laneway down the side of the building.

On the Smith St end was Ramsey Piggon Real Estate and Mrs Everett’s millinery store.

The arcade has had many makeovers and name changes. Local legend has it that some of the young lads drown their cars through the arcade.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

The society’s museum at the Old Shire Hall in Warragul is currently closed.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@warragulgazette.com.au.