Environment groups from Moorabool and Ballarat have opposed a proposal for sawlog harvesting and ongoing salvage works in the Wombat Forest.
The groups gathered in the forest on December 11 to protest a Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CMFEU) suggestion to supply an east Victoria paper mill with timber from Wombat Forest.
Opal Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill is at risk of closure, which Opal said is due to shortage of supply from the Victorian government-owned timber company, VicForests.
The CFMEU has raised concerns about the potential job losses that would result from the mills closure, and suggested Wombat Forest, among others, as a “potentially viable alternative” for alternative timber supply.
Wombat Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne said it was hard to believe that it could be happening in a forest that is designated to be a national park.
“Our iconic threatened species such as the greater glider and powerful owls, already under pressure due to loss of habitat from last year’s storm and current ‘salvage logging’, will be further compromised,” she said.
“With Australia having one of the worst extinction rates in the world, do we want these special animals found in the Wombat to join the list?”
Timber logging is currently not permitted in the area, but a VicForests spokesperson said the organisation is currently removing debris and treating hazardous trees resulting from last year’s storm events.
“Timber removed through these operations will be going to the highest and best end use. This potentially includes community use, utilisation by Traditional Owners, customers, as well as community firewood,” the spokesperson said.
Opal said “suitable alternatives“ to VicForests’ wood supply have not been identified to date.
CFMEU was contacted for comment.
Liam McNally
