Koala petitions heading to Parliaments

By Lachlan Ellis

A new chapter in the ‘Save Gordon Koalas’ campaign is set to begin next month, with twin e-petitions heading to the State and Federal Parliaments.

The two petitions concern a 16-hectare blue gum plantation in Gordon, which Central Highlands Water (CHW) plans to log later this year due to future irrigation plans.

Members of the Save Gordon Koalas campaign argue that blue gum plantation is a vital habitat for local koalas, and koalas don’t have adequate legal protections.

The State petition calls on the State Government to block the clear-felling of the Cartons Road blue gum plantation, while the Federal petition requests that the House of Representatives “fund and oversee research to establish accurate data on koala population, health and habitat in Victoria, and establish a National Koala Protection Act to protect koalas in all states with koala populations”.

Heidi Johnson is the principal petitioner for the State petition, and said members of the Save Gordon Koalas campaign were frustrated by a lack of political action.

“DELWP’s Office of Chief Conservator, and somebody representing [Victorian Environment] Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, responded to various letters we’ve sent, very disappointingly, basically running the line of “they’re not technically breaking the law, so they are entitled to destroy the plantation”. We are furious, but we understand it’s not the fault of DELWP employees, who can only operate within the confines of current legislation, which is hopelessly insufficient,” Ms Johnson said.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-01-25/8

in the 25 January 2022 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.