Chair
West Victoria RFA Panel
PO Box 502
East Melbourne, Victoria
3002

Submission for the West Victoria RFA

Introduction

This submission, supported by the undersigned, seeks to bring a different focus to the current RFA debate. At present it seems the likely outcome of the process will be business as usual for the timber industry with open slather for woodchips.

This decision would fly in the face of all the evidence presented to the RFA process thus far. We call on the Independent Panel to look carefully at the economic figures, which show that tourism and water are the only sensible and sustainable directions for future growth and security of the region.

Tourism, not Logging

The figures from volume 1 of the CRA speak for themselves. Hardwood sawmilling runs at a loss, sustained only by government subsidies and profits from woodchipping. While tourism along the Great Ocean Road alone generates $458 million expenditure annually. One can already see the growth in former logging towns such as Forrest and Lavers Hill from the increasing tourist numbers. New accommodation, hotels and galleries are just the start as people become enlivened to the magic of the forest. The timber industry employs ever-decreasing numbers while tourism is continually growing. Who provides the best option for the future?

Water

Logging in domestic water catchments is indefensible and we call for its immediate end. Various members of this group remember well the last time the catchment of Apollo Bay was logged. The result being the water became dangerous to health and signs all over town carrying this warning. So much for the health of residents! Not to mention the possible effects on tourism. Logging continues in the West Barwon Catchment as Geelong enters its third year of restrictions, again, where is the logic?

Scenic and Landscape Values

The forests are our heritage to preserve and enjoy. However one only has to take a drive along Grey River Road or Seaview Ridge Road to see the destruction. As a result some of our members refuse to use State forest for activities as it is impossible not to see degraded areas of forest. International and domestic visitors alike stare in disbelief that this loss of beauty and inheritance can take place. Important tourist routes such as Wild Dog Road and Killala (Old Bay) Road are under threat. These provide immense enjoyment to tourists for their unparalleled visual splendour. Being so close to Apollo Bay their importance to our operators cannot be overestimated. They are equally comparable to Turtons Track for their uniqueness.

Conclusion

Tourism development in the Otway Hinterland is well underway, with a huge future potential. We call on the Government and the RFA panel to instigate a study into the future economic development of the area via tourism. Tourism employment and compensation packages will help ease the transition of displaced workers. We feel that perhaps there is a place for a specialized selective hardwood logging industry in the area. But it is clearfell logging for woodchipping that is actively destroying the tourist potential of the hinterland. We call for an immediate end to logging in domestic water catchments. Clearfell logging must be phased out with the Otway National Park and Lorne – Angahook State parks enlarged to protect and preserve the Otways for future generations.

It is tourism that will provide a bright and sustainable future for the Otways.