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State's forests deal comes with a catchThe expansion of East Gippsland’s national parks has thrown up an unexpected twist that Eastern Victoria MP Philip Davis says will make it near impossible for the Government to meet its commitments to provide offsets to the region’s timber industry. By Kevin Balshaw - 10th December 2009 - Back to News The expansion of East Gippsland’s national parks has thrown up an unexpected twist that Eastern Victoria MP Philip Davis says will make it near impossible for the Government to meet its commitments to provide offsets to the region’s timber industry.
Mr Davis said the Government had been forced into an admission that while areas to be added to national parks had been defined as part of the legislative process, no steps had been taken to rezone alternative areas for timber harvesting.
Instead, the harvesting areas would be finalised as part of a review next year of the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA), which would have to be conducted in association with the Commonwealth.
While the Government had claimed the new harvesting areas would be available "early next year", Mr Davis said the RFA review would involve a consultative process that could drag on indefinitely.
"This poses a real risk of a renewed fight with conservation activists over the rezoning of areas for harvesting and may well jeopardise the prospect of the Government meeting its obligation to make available at least 130,000 cubic metres of saw logs required for the industry to maintain a sustainable yield," he said.
"The Government promised the trade-off at the 2006 election with a commitment that more than 40,000 hectares of old growth forests would be added to national parks in East Gippsland without any loss of resource or jobs to the timber industry.
"This was to have been achieved with the rezoning of areas currently listed as special protection zones as detailed in a report prepared by the Industry Transition Task Force.
"But the work to prepare the reallocation of the special protection zones for harvesting has not been done in parallel with the definition of the new national park areas.
"I perceive a disconnect between the Government’s enthusiasm to implement a new national park system and its enthusiasm to deliver on the deal for the timber industry."
Mr Davis said in advance of the legislation being introduced to Parliament the Government promised the industry it would rezone the special protection zones to return them to timber production.
The industry had taken the Government at its word on the basis that the Industry Transition Task Force had identified and assessed the zones.
"All the legislation has done in effect is set up the next contest, which will be over whether the Government has the political will to do what it promises," Mr Davis said.
"The test of the integrity of the Government is for us to see that happen."
Mr Davis said as a consequence of these concerns, he was one who felt burdened in supporting the passage of the bill, but he did so in light of the fact that the industry had accepted the Government’s commitment and it was now a matter that had to be taken on trust.
The legislation was passed in the Upper House December 8.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: kevin.balshaw@parliament.vic.gov.au
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Darren Chester reflects on Gippsland Christmas, mourning Bondi Beach victims, appreciating essential workers, and urging unity, gratitude, and hope while wishing everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - Discover Buchan Caves with the underground wonders, Aboriginal heritage, and stunning East Gippsland landscapes
Explore Buchan Caves in East Gippsland, Victoria’s largest cave system, featuring ancient pillars, caverns, pools, Aboriginal heritage, scenic rivers, picnic areas, and one of Australia’s best night sky viewing spots. - Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts. - Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks. - Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Victoria leaders tour proposed Hastings terminal highlighting region’s central role in offshore wind future
Regional leaders toured the proposed Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal, highlighting its crucial role in Victoria’s offshore wind strategy and clean-energy transition, with industry, government and communities collaborating for regional benefits.
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