PRESS RELEASE

24th May 1999

A Regional Forest Agreement covering clearfell logging, water resources and conservation of biodiversity is being developed for the Otway Ranges State Forest. Because Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast Shire fall outside of the West Region formal briefing circuit, the Geelong Community Forum has been approached to facilitate a Public Briefing on the RFA and its implications for the Otway Ranges State Forest. This briefing session is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, June 1st 1999 at the Geelong West Town Hall, 7:30pm. We believe that this meeting will be of great benefit to residents who would otherwise have had to travel as far afield as Apollo Bay, Colac and Ballarat to receive views from the government.

We aim to achieve a balanced discussion on the impact and economics of the Regional Forest Agreement in this and other areas. To this end we have invited and short-listed speakers from key public authorities and special interest groups, including: the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Barwon Water, Forest Taskforce, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Otway Ranges Environment Network, the Geelong Environment Council, the Victorian Association of Forest Industries and the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (Forestry Division). We have also extended invitations to local, State and Federal representatives, and individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to attend the briefing session.

Following the presentations there will be an opportunity for questions and comments to be taken from the floor. Information related to the Regional Forest Agreements is available from: www.oren.org.au www.rfa.gov.au www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au

The following speakers are confirmed:

Serena O'Meley