Wombat Forestcare has sought an injunction in the Supreme Court alleging insufficient surveys for threatened species in various logging coupes.
The focus shifted to the Silver Queen coupe in the Wombat State Forest, where an interim injunction was granted due to serious questions raised by Wombat Forestcare. However, on the eve of the court hearing for the injunction, VicForests claimed their surveyors had found nine nationally endangered Mountain Skinks in the Silver Queen coupe. Despite earlier assertions of comprehensive surveys, VicForests is now facing an extended injunction based on the presence of Mountain Skinks.
VicForests contends that removing storm-fallen logs is crucial for fire risk reduction, arguing potential habitat loss and biodiversity threats in case of a fire. Wombat Forestcare’s expert witness, Associate Professor Grant Wardle-Johnson, disputes these claims, emphasising the negligible impact on fire risk and potential adverse effects of log removal.
Wombat Forestcare’s claim has been expanded to include additional forest areas, such as Mount Cole, Pyrenees, Cobaw, and Enfield State Forests, with a directions hearing set for February 5.
Wombat Forestcare expresses gratitude to their pro bono legal team but highlights the need for further financial support to fund essential expert reports. They stress the importance of these reports in substantiating their case and encourage donations to ensure a robust legal defence.
www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-01/supreme-court-case-halts-vicforests-logging/103175294