Mirboo North community members opposed to proposed logging are upset they were not aware that a report carried out by VicForests was going to be made public when they took part in it.
The state-owned logging agency was in town in August last year carrying out a social impact scoping summary report that assessed concerns and support around plans to log coupes near the town, due to start next autumn.
VicForests interviewed 22 people from the district including individuals, farmers, landowners and businesses but the report did not identify anyone making the comments.
The assessment was conducted as an internal training exercise and was as part of Forest Stewardship Council’s requirements for forest management.
Some of the concerns raised included potential impacts on forests, vistas, biodiversity and tourism. Respondents in favour cited local economic benefits and wildlife’s capacity to move elsewhere.
The report included suggestions for low-intensity logging, providing buffer zones and wildlife areas or supporting alternative recreational areas.
The assessment was released recently and copies were sent to the Preserve our Forests Mirboo North Steering Committee and South Gippsland Shire Council.
PoF steering committee chairperson Marg Thomas said she participated in a phone interview for the assessment and that was when she first learned about VicForests’ intentions to log the district.
“At no time were people made aware that this report was to be made public. This is a tiny report of 22 people. The huge groundswell of opposition is not indicated in this report,” Ms Thomas said.
“The person asked me if I knew there were three coupes due to be logged and I said I had no idea. If it was proper consultation, they would’ve given us information before the assessments took place.”
VicForests corporate affairs general manager Alex Messina said PoF recently met with VicForests to discuss mitigations.
He said VicForests had agreed to do some further work on the possibility of low-intensity logging and would meet with the group in another month.
“We want to be transparent and open as possible to support community information and discussion and we are happy to consider concerns and mitigations,” Mr Messina said.
“I feel that appropriately preparing a summary for release is worthwhile and respectful of the community.”
