Group applauds forest protection plan

A Victorian Government announcement that it plans to give protected status to Strathbogie Forest has been welcomed by the Save our Strathbogie Forest (SOSF) group

The government made the announcement on Saturday, August 2, citing the planned process to complete the formal protection of Strathbogie, and other forests, promised by Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily d’Ambrosio in November 2019.

SOSF member Shirley Saywell said the proposed process, using the independent Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) and a community panel, built on the strong bipartisan support provided for similar investigations previously undertaken by VEAC.

“Our group therefore takes confidence from this proposal,” Ms Saywell said.

Group spokesperson Bertram Lobert also welcomed the news.

“This announcement about the proposed government process to finalise protection of our forests is very welcome,” Mr Lobert said.

“Since we met with the minister in late 2019 when she made the announcement to protect our local forests, there has been no clear indication of the next steps, despite many letters, phone calls and meetings with government staff and advisors.

“In the meantime we have had the devastating Black Summer bushfires, which burnt much of eastern Victoria and killed millions of native wildlife, including many greater gliders and koalas, which are so special here.

“The importance of protecting Strathbogie Forest as refuge habitat for these native animals has consequently increased significantly and we are delighted by the government’s announcement.

“Our one remaining concern is that the process be completed well before the next election to give us certainty that the forests are protected forever.”