Updated: Threatened flora and Smoky Mouse exclusion zone destroyed

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WOTCH surveyors have uncovered the destruction of two mature Tree Geebungs along a recently cleared logging track in an active VicForests coupe at Ballantynes Saddle. The Tree Geebungs had been freshly flattened, with green growth still visible.

UPDATE: Following submission of our report, WOTCH was notified that DELWP had undertaken a site inspection and is now investigating incursion of machinery into an exclusion area for the threatened Smoky Mouse. The incursion resulted in:

  • Destruction of three mature (>10cm diameter at breast height) Tree Geebungs (Persoonia arborea);

  • Felling by machinery of several Eucalypt trees;

  • Breaching of the minimum 20m waterway buffer required for a permanent waterway (Icy Creek) by felled Eucalypt debris; and

  • Destruction of understorey vegetation and soil disturbance.

Tree Geebungs are listed as a threatened species in Victoria and their destruction breaches Victoria’s timber harvesting management standards. The incident is now being investigated by the OCR.

This discovery is all the more alarming following a ruling in the Federal Court in May, which found that VicForests was non-compliant with its obligations to protect Tree Geebungs in another coupe, Skerry’s Reach (462-504-0004).

With multiple instances of threatened flora destruction under its watch, the Victorian government must ask itself whether VicForests can be trusted to manage Victoria’s natural heritage.

You can read our full report here:

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Destruction of Mature Tree Geebungs – Breach Report – 461-503-0006 'Glanworth'
Destruction of Mature Tree Geebungs – Breach Report – 461-503-0006 'Glanworth'

Report on the destruction of mature Tree Geebungs (Persoonia arborea) within active VicForests coupe 461-503-0006 ‘Glanworth’ in Icy Creek in breach of the ‘Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations in Victoria’s State forests’ and ‘Code of Practice for Timber Production’.

Phil Marshall