In a historic move, the Andrews government has announced that native forest logging in Victoria will cease by the end of the year.
After decades of community campaigning, native forests will be safe from wood chipping and clear felling.
“This is a huge moment for everyone who has worked tirelessly to end logging and bring forward this transition date,” said Friends of the Earth Melbourne 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 is an outcome achieved by many environmental groups and the grassroots community, with court cases, relentless citizen science efforts, lobbying of decision makers, forest tours and, of course, a long blockading legacy. We are proud to have worked with many allies over many years to gain this protection. Key organisations who have been pivotal in delivering this win include Friends of the Earth Australia’s own member group’s FoE Melbourne, GECO, WOTCH, as well as other organisations such as Kinglake Friends of Forests, East Gippsland Environment Group, Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum and all the incredible Victorian Forests Alliance member groups.
