Sat. Nov 2nd, 2024
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Sixty Victorian not-for-profit organisations have written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Tim Pallas to urge them to abolish state-owned logging business VicForests.

They say the organisation has outlived its purpose and lost public support.

“VicForests has systematically breached the public’s trust and abjectly failed Victorians on every measure — economically, socially and environmentally,” the letter says.

Last year the Supreme Court found VicForests broke the law in failing to protect endangered species and last week in a new case the court ordered a halt to work in Wombat State Forest.

The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner found in August VicForests hired a private investigator to spy on environmentalists.

A government spokesperson told the ABC the future of VicForests was being considered, but no decision had been made on the organisation’s fate.

The ABC understands the organisations that sent the letter have not received responses from Ms Allan or Mr Pallas.

A possum perched on a branch in a forest at night.
The Supreme Court found VicForests broke the law by failing to protect endangered gliders in Gippsland and Central Victoria.(Supplied: Elizabeth Parsons)

‘They have lost all credibility’

The ABC understands the Victorian government is reviewing VicForests’ functions and activities ahead of the end of native forest logging by January 1.

Matthew Landolfo, campaign manager at Wilderness Society, one of the letter’s signatories, said VicForests did not deserve a seat at the table when it came to future planning.

“They have lost all credibility,” he said.

The ABC understands VicForests will continue operating on a contractual basis beyond December 31 in order to undertake Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action land management operations.

It is understood part of the government’s review is to determine how VicForests staff may be redeployed.

A group of people in warm hiking gear walk past the remains of a huge tree that has been cut down.

Environmentalists in a logged forest at Toolangi.(Supplied: Teresa Hu)

‘Not naive to the challenge’

The letter calls on the government to partner with traditional owners, environmental organisations, scientists and the broader community when planning the management of Victoria’s native forests.

“We’re not naive to the challenge ahead in protecting people, property, wildlife, and our iconic forest landscapes from degradation and extreme weather events,” Mr Landolfo said.

“But it’s also a huge opportunity to rebuild public trust, generate employment in the regions and work in partnership with traditional owners who have cared for country for millennia.”

A group of people with backpacks walk through a forest with ferns.

Environmental groups want a major rethink on the management of native forests.(Supplied: GECO)

The Victorian government reclassified VicForests from a state business corporation to a “reorganising body” on September 5, which removed the requirement for it to be commercially focused.

A decision on VicForests’ future is expected to be made later this year.

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