The Save Our Strathbogie Forest community campaign has welcomed the Victorian Government's announcement that native logging will be phased-out by 2030.
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The change involves the immediate protection of the Strathbogie Forest.
SOSF spokesperson Bertram Lobert said the government had shown leadership in regards to climate change action above the value of timber products.
“What we now need to ensure is that these commitments are followed through, and that the government keeps working to protect other, irreplaceable native forests in Victoria.”
The SOSF has campaigned for increased protections for the Strathbogie Forest since 2013.
It said the protection of the forest would help to build the tourism industry, protect the threatened greater glider possum and provide an opportunity for traditional owners to manage country.
The changes would also create the possibility of an expanded hardwood plantations sector and improve water yields from these forests into the Murray-Darling Basin.
Euroa Environment Group president Shirley Saywell said removing logging from the Strathbogie Forest would create additional opportunities for plantation forestry on cleared land.
“Native forest logging provides few contractor jobs and has contributed very little to the region’s economy in recent years,” Ms Saywell said.
“Now, we have the chance to establish a sustainable, local plantation-based industry, with support from the Andrews Government.
“This is a win-win for our local, native forests and for the local economy — with the additional benefit of helping grow more trees to capture carbon.”