Victoria’s red gum forests protected in first big win for 2009
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In a spectacular New Year’s gift to the environment, Premier Brumby announced the protection of 95,000 hectares of river red gum wetlands in Victoria including four new National Parks along the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens rivers in northern Victoria. The commitment by the Victorian government is one of the most significant conservation decisions in the state’s history and follows years of work by The Wilderness Society, Friends of the Earth and the Victorian National Parks Association. The decision is based on strong scientific evidence and extensive community consultation by the Victorian Environment Assessment Commission (VEAC), who recommended the urgent need for red gum protection after studies revealed that 75% of river red gums are stressed, dead or dying. |
Pulp Mill update
Garrett gives Gunns a two year extension - approves 13 of 16 pulp mill approval modules
On 5 January 2008 Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett identified serious concerns about the impact Gunns’ proposed pulp mill would have on the marine environment and insisted that more scientific work be completed.
Despite this he proceeded to grant Gunns further approvals for its unpopular project and a second extension of time.
Kimberley ‘national emergency’
Before Christmas, WA Premier Colin Barnett is set to announce a proposed site for a major industrial development on the Kimberley coast - on land he is prepared to forcibly remove from Traditional Owners.
With no further negotiations or scientific research, a 1000ha slice of Kimberley coast will be given over to liquefied natural gas (LNG) industrial development...
Focus: Native forest research
Research finds native forests key to climate solution.
World-first research from the Australian National University has shown that unlogged native forests store three times more carbon than previously thought.
The research identifies that Australia has some of the most carbon dense forests on Earth - and that logging and clearing them has significant climate implications.
Upcoming Events
- Wild Places - Forests and Climate Change Photographic Exhibition and Information Evening
- WildEndurance, 2/3 May 2009
Celebrate some of Australia’s most important wild places with a photographic exhibition, and hear a Green Carbon presentation from Wilderness Society forest campaigners.
WildEndurance: the new standard. 100km through the Blue Mountains in one weekend, raising funds to save the planet. Find out how to register!
Media Releases
- Garrett leaves door open for pulp mill despite serious concerns over pollution - January 05, 2009
- NSW Government falls behind Victoria in forest protection - December 31, 2008
- New Red Gum Parks a historic decision for Victoria - December 30, 2008
Gunns granted another extension following failure to meet assessment deadlines. Gunns, the proponent of the Tasmanian pulp mill has today again failed to meet deadlines and demonstrate that its project can satisfy environmental safeguards, The Wilderness Society said. The project should be abandoned for the benefit of the community and the natural environment.
The Wilderness Society has condemned Premier Nathan Rees’s continued failure to protect River Red Gum Forests in NSW in the face of today’s announcement that the Victorian government has created nearly 100,000 hectares of new national park on its side of the border.
Environment groups today applauded the Brumby Government’s announcement to create a chain of new River Red Gum National Parks along the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens rivers in northern Victoria. Groups described the commitment as one of the most significant in Victoria’s history.
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