NEWS On 7 December members of the WWPG met with a representative from the Independent Verification Group (appointed under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Forestry (IGA) to determine the extent of state forest to be protected). It was a productive session with the WWPG getting across points with respect to water catchments, biodiversity, social values and an apparently healthy devil population. Unfortunately we do not expect a final report from the IVG until end Feb 2011 now.
The WWPG had a great stand at the information session on the IGA on 21 November 2011. Govt officials present were apparently much impressed by the efforts put in and passion felt by WWPG members. We had a screen showing pictures from West Wellington and video footage of devils obtained by infrared camera in MV001A. At the session, we handed out copies of our draft West Wellington Reserve Proposal to officials involved in regional development, tourism and conservation.
Forestry Tasmania, once again acting as the spoiler, is clearfelling in coupes RU043H and RU043C in Judbury. These large coupes of rich old and re-growth forest at an altitude of around 800m are within the 430,000Ha nominated in the IGA for 'immediate protection'.
Please help with lobbying members of the upper house to try and increase the chances of the legislation underpinning the IGA, being passed by the State Govt. Also letters to the editor and local MPs will all help.
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A 5,000Ha area of native forest that adjoins Wellington Park’s western & south-western boundaries is under threat from logging by Forestry Tasmania. Several hundred hectares are scheduled for clearfelling under Forestry Tasmania’s 3-year plan, beginning July 2010. Apart from some informal reserves, the remainder of the area is also divided into coupes of around 60Ha each... VIEW MAP Forestry Tasmania’s planners admit that all timber worth logging will be taken out of the region over the coming years... READ MORE
The mountains to the west of Mt Wellington have been a favourite recreation spot for generations of both Tasmanians and tourists. West Wellington is an undisturbed spread of native forest, home to many endemic species. Much of the area was burnt in the 1967 fires and so is considered regrowth forest, but this does not mean it is only worth the price of its wholesale logs. Regularly receiving winter snowfalls, it is a sub-alpine environment rich in diversity and habitat, similar to the adjacent Wellington Park... READ MORE
Wellington Park was established to protect both the natural values of the area and the safety of water supplies to the greater Hobart region. West Wellington provides the headwaters for the water catchments of Judbury, Lucaston and Crabtree, but there is no forest reserve set aside to protect these catchments... READ MORE
Concerned residents from villages and townships local to the proposed logging have recently set up the West Wellington Protection Group to oppose the action by Forestry Tasmania. We welcome new members, new ideas and volunteers to help in the huge task ahead of us. READ MORE Please join our mailing list: fill in the contact us form or e-mail
We rely on "on the ground support" and donations. The smallest amount is helpful - thank you for your support. In addition you can help by lobbying agencies and making public your opposition to the logging... READ MORE.
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