Recently the Victorian Government announced that logging will cease at the end of 2023. It's since come to light that this is not the case. It now appears that some but certainly not all of our forests will be saved from future destruction.
For decades forest defenders had worked so hard, campaigning and lobbying, to protect these beautiful places. Their initial elated response was made clear by Friends of the Earth’s forest campaigner Alana Mountain: “It's what we have needed for decades; to protect remaining carbon sinks, biodiversity, water catchments and First Nations culture. This is a sensible move to wind up the timber industry and transition affected workers. This is justice for climate, forests, and humanity.”
This event, originally a celebration, now will seek to clarify the situation, with some of our leading forest campaigners.
Cam Walker (Campaigns Coordinator, Friends of the Earth); Amy Calton (Forest Campaigner with Wombat Action Group) and Brendan Sydes (Biodiversity Policy Adviser ACF) will hold a Q&A panel discussion to talk through: “Where we will go from here; What is happening on the ground now... and How to shape the future .”
Come along to the Northern Arts Hotel at 7:00 pm on Monday 26 June to celebrate some gains and discuss how we move forward.
Amy and Cam will give us first-hand insight into their approach. There are many issues to consider. Amy was clear that “we need to remain vigilant in this paradigm. It is vital to make sure the government holds to its promise with ecologically positive outcomes”.
Our native forests are a unique place of renewal and regeneration. They are our future and essential to the abatement of climate change.
In a recent radio interview, renowned forest ecologist, Professor Lindenmayer noted the end of logging came at a pivotal moment in the protection of old growth forests. At the time of interview, Professor Lindenmayer remained sceptical whether the Victorian government would commit to its statement. Lindenmayer saw the potential for a better future with environmental restoration, working alongside First Nations people. He saw the potential for redeploying those put out of work into the restoration of our forests.
As yet we are not clear on where to go from here. The Q&A Panel will allow for community discussions on what the future holds.
Come and join this lively evening with some valuable insight into the way forward.
The Northern Arts Hotel bar will be open and nibbles will be provided. To help us with numbers, please register below. Or email [email protected] with any questions.