WE allege the logging of HBT will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the Leadbeater’s Possum, southern greater glider and the yellow bellied glider, as a result of the adverse impact on these species’ critical habitat, the fragmentation of that habitat, and the creation of ‘edge effects’ which will render residual surrounding populations susceptible to starvation, exposure and predation.

There are no applicable exceptions under the EPBC Act that would excuse DEECA’s past and proposed hollow-bearing and recruitment tree removal operations from the reach of sections 18(2) and 18(3) of the EPBC Act.

Our interlocutory court case hearing is re-scheduled for September 18, 2024 at 10.15am at the Federal Court in Melbourne and WE are seeking an injunction to stop the logging of hollow bearing trees in Victorian State and National Parks under the guise of fire management. Thank you to our legal team of legendary Jonny Korman (Barrister), Michael Beaconsfield (Barrister) and Jamie King (Solicitor). Thank you to the amazing Citizen Scientists who play a pivotal role in the protection of forests in Victoria. Thank you for actively monitoring what is happening on the ground, for your vigilance and skills in collecting, collating and presenting evidence. This is a collaborative effort from many community groups and WE are incredibly grateful to working alongside such champions. 

Warburton Environment President, Nic Fox said:

“It’s outrageous that community groups are forced to take legal action to stop the Victorian Government killing endangered wildlife. Community groups shouldn’t have to continually fight their way through the legal system to make the government accountable to its own laws and policies.”
“Logging clearly isn’t finished in Victoria, it’s just business as usual under a different name, and even Victoria’s most iconic National Parks aren’t safe from the government’s logging industry.”