Too often this segment is used to criticise certain politicians, councils and/or public departments, but I believe that both the City of Greater Geelong Council and Barwon Water should be congratulated for their recent decisions.

Both these bodies have been criticised in the past for their environmental policies, but have shown in recent weeks that they are prepared to listen to "creditable" argument and act accordingly.

The City of Greater Geelong Council by voting to oppose the indiscriminate clearfell logging of the Otways.

Barwon Water for acknowledging -

• That poor logging practices could result in a reduction of water quality and quality.
• That water is more valuable than the wood in the forest (for logging).
• That more research should be undertaken to see how logging could be sustainable and also for agreeing to make a formal submission to the Regional Forestry Agreement steering committee.

This proves just what the public can achieve with continued and factual negotiations.