A ‘scare campaign’ over national parks? The fight over the future of Victoria’s forests

Conservationists Say Efforts to Protect Forests and Endangered Species Are Hampered by Misleading Information

Chris Taylor, a research fellow at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, has been visiting Victoria’s Central Highlands for decades. This region, known for its towering mountain ash trees, has been a focus of his research and passion for much of his life.

Mountain ash trees (Eucalyptus regnans) are among the tallest flowering plants in the world, reaching up to 20 stories high and living up to 550 years. However, only about 1.6% of the 137,000 hectares of these forests in the Central Highlands are classified as old-growth. Logging has significantly altered the forest, replacing older trees with younger, fire-prone ones. This disruption has adversely affected species like the Leadbeater’s possum and the greater glider, which rely on older trees for nesting.

Taylor notes that the landscape has changed dramatically over the years, with once-continuous forests now fragmented due to logging. This transformation has contributed to the forest’s classification as a critically endangered ecosystem.

Recent developments offer hope for these forests. The state Labor government has decided to end native logging by the end of 2023, a move that comes six years earlier than initially planned. Since 2021, a review panel has been assessing the future of the Central Highlands, and the government has established the “Great Outdoors Taskforce” to explore the management of an additional 1.8 million hectares previously used for timber harvesting.

The proposal to create the Great Forest National Park, which would consolidate over 500,000 hectares of Victorian forests and conservation reserves, has sparked debate. Conservationists like Sarah Rees advocate for the park, arguing that it would offer extensive protection and connectivity for the forest. However, this proposal faces opposition from some members of the Victorian Coalition and the outdoor recreation community. Critics argue that national park status could restrict recreational activities and impact local economies dependent on such activities.

Nationals MP Melina Bath contends that national parks impose limitations on activities such as horseback riding, trail biking, hunting, and camping. Bath has initiated a petition against the creation of new national parks, which has garnered significant attention and signatures.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos disputes claims that the government is overreaching. He argues that national parks already offer a wide range of recreational activities and dismisses fears of excessive restrictions. Dimopoulos emphasizes the importance of balancing conservation with recreational and economic interests, noting that Victoria’s forests and national parks cover 7.12 million hectares.

The Victorian Greens have raised concerns about government practices, accusing it of “logging by stealth” under the pretense of fire management and storm clean-up. They point to incidents where logging activities have affected endangered species, such as the greater glider. The Greens have criticized the government for not adequately addressing environmental impacts before proceeding with logging operations.

Taylor expresses frustration with the current discourse, describing it as mired in “misinformation.” He argues that establishing a national park is crucial for the long-term protection and restoration of the forest’s ecological health. Rees supports this view, emphasizing the need to preserve these forests for future generations.

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