Cudos to Premier Dan Andrews and the State Labor Government who took the giant step of announcing the end to native forest logging in Victoria by 1st January 2024. The State Government announced an extra $200 million in funding for transition of affected workers and communities in the 2023/24 budget.
In October 2022 the Victorian Forest Alliance and The Tree Projects published a report which found that an immediate end to native forest logging could prevent 14 million tonnes of carbon emission by 2030.
Key facts from the report:
- Native forest logging in Victoria emitted around 3 million tonnes of carbon in 2021.
- Emissions from native forest logging are equivalent to the annual emissions of 700,000 cars.
- Regrowing forests on average only ever hold up to 50% of the carbon of the original forests before they are logged again.
- Close to 90% of Australia’s wood now comes from Australian plantations.
- Logging plantations produces 60% less carbon dioxide emissions than the logging of native forests.
Transition is always difficult process, but it can bring new opportunities in Land management and conservation of the forests, and for recreational and tourist opportunities. It also helps guarantee the purity of Melbourne's water supply. It opens up roles for indigenous knowledge in land management, conservation and for managing bushfire threat.
We are likely to see the creation of a Great Forests National Park that many conservationists and scientists have called to be established.
