Greg Hunt is gone, but the man who replaced him is likely to be even worse on climate action. Max Chalmers reports. For environmentalists, climate scientists, and any Australian who wants the Great Barrier Reef to outlive them, there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that Greg Hunt is no longer …
This Daniel Andrews-devised industry/enviro groups roundtable is progressing. The first agreed ‘Statement of Intent’ report was due to be presented to the government by the end of June but that’s now been pushed out by 2-3 weeks. These delays mean more trees fall meanwhile. It was set up as a compromise with the CFMEU …
The viability of Victoria’s government-owned native forestry business has been thrown into doubt by a high-level analysis concluding it takes more than $5 million of investment in roads, machinery and equipment to create a single timber job. A confidential report by accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers warns VicForests is “not generating an appropriate return” to meet its stated objectives, including maximising its contribution to the …
This ANU report proves the logging industry is worth 1/70th what the forests produce in water value. Professor David Lindenmayer said plainly “This is really dumb economics…” Logging in the central highlands generated a tiny $29 per hectare of additional net economic activity in 2013-14. That compares to a $2,023 per hectare contribution to the …
Victoria’s Central Highlands’ forests would potentially generate more income for the state if they were permanently preserved to store carbon rather than logged, according to a major study. A detailed analysis using a United Nations’ system of environmental and economic accounting concludes the net economic contribution from forestry in the area is relatively minor compared to the contribution to the state’s water supply, tourism …
A reshuffle within the party room has seen Environment Minister Lisa Neville moved on to the Policing portfolio. The new Minister is Lily D’Ambrosio and she has a lot to get her head around with this new job. Lily has a name for appreciating information and details, rather than being fed opinions and information from …
Victorian conservationists who’ve saved a colony of threatened Greater Gliders from loggers say the latest victory is further evidence the Federal Government should tear up the Regional Forestry Agreements, which exempt native forest logging from national environmental law. A group led by the Goongerah Environment Centre discovered the Gliders in April, on a night-time survey of …
The Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) that govern logging in nearly 7 million hectares of state forests in NSW, Tasmania, Victoria and WA have failed in all their objectives and should be terminated when they expire over the next four years. That is the damning assessment by over 30 environmental groups in a statement released today. …
For nearly 20 years native forest logging in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and WA has received special treatment under commonwealth environmental laws. Other industries need approval from the commonwealth Environment Minister before taking an action that may affect threatened species or World Heritage. Native forest logging does not. The result has been catastrophic for wildlife and …
The release of the Andrews government’s Renewable Energy Action Plan is imminent. It will set Victorian Renewable Energy Targets for 2020 and 2025. Please add your voice to the call for the Andrews government to set ambitious targets that match those of other states and territories. Sign the Petition
