By PHILIP HOPKINS
THE state government has defended its panel that will investigate the future of Victoria’s native forest estate, but did not comment on its lack of bushfire expertise.
The membership of the panel had been strongly criticised for its lack of a bushfire expert by a Latrobe Valley forest and business consultant, John Cameron.
The Express also asked the government whether the panel would consider the report by the federal-state Major Event Review Panel that investigated the impact of the destructive 2019/20 fires on the Regional Forest Agreements. The panel, which submitted its report a year ago, made 36 recommendations on future forest policy but has received no reply from the state or federal government.
A government spokesperson said the end of native timber harvesting presented new opportunities to improve forest management, balancing recreation and tourism for Victorians to enjoy time outdoors, while protecting the environment and supporting Traditional Owner self-determination.
“The taskforce will play a critical role in engaging with Victorians to determine the best forest management practices, with each member bringing specialised knowledge from various fields such as environment, tourism, regional development, and outdoor recreation – ensuring a comprehensive consideration of all options during the consultation process,” the spokesperson said.
“As part of this important work, the taskforce will consider a wide range of resources including the report from the Major Event Review Panel.”
The government’s Great Outdoors Taskforce, led by the former Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lisa Neville, will consider the future management and use of state forest previously available for timber harvesting.
Commercial native timber harvesting in Victoria ceased on January 1, 2024.
The taskforce will work alongside the Eminent Panel for Community Engagement that is currently engaging with Victorians on the future management and uses of state forests in the Central Highlands.
The taskforce has promised to widely consult with communities and stakeholders on the options to protect the environment and support recreational, social and commercial opportunities in the forests. This includes investigating opportunities for recreation and tourism such as camping, hunting, hiking, trail-bike riding and four-wheel driving.
The work will be undertaken over the next 12 months and consultation details will be released in the coming weeks.
Mr Cameron said wildfire was the single most important threat to the state’s 7.5 million hectares of native forest.
“There is a clear need for a bushfire expert to be on the Great Outdoors Taskforce,” he said.
For more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/futureforests/immediate-protection-areas/future-forests
