LETTER TO THE EDITOR

17 December1999

It is time for the Victorian Association of Forst Industries to face the facts. During the recent state election all five ALP candidates based in Geelong spoke out against clearfell logging in Otways water catchments. A petition signed by over 6,500 Geelong residents, which condemns the practise, was tabled in parliament on December 1st. The Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Surf Coast Shire, and the City of Greater Geelong have also formally expressed their deep concerns about clearfell logging in these catchments.

In response the Regional Forest Agreement Steering Committee held a 'Water Summit' in Geelong which confirmed that clearfell logging has demonstrable impacts upon water quality and quantity. Barwon Water is now urging the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to conduct more research into this issue.

The public knows that native timber is being sold off at between 30 to 60 % below market value according to a report by KPMG. People realise that it is their taxes which are going toward erosion prone logging tracks and expensive roads. They also are aware that the unsightly mess left by clearfelling jeopardises tourism in the Great Ocean Road region which brings in $250 million per annum from overnight visitors alone.

Rather than attacking our council for making a sensible decision for the long-term prosperity of our region, organisations like VAFI should be sitting around a table with them and other stakeholders to discuss an overhaul of the industry. There is $13 million of structural adjustment money remaining which could go to finding sustainable jobs, including work in plantations. All we need is a spirit of cooperation, a little vision and the political will to see it through.

Serena O'Meley
Geelong Community Forum