Vic: Protesters arrested after Gippsland forest blockade

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2006
Vic: Protesters arrested after Gippsland forest blockade

MELBOURNE, April 10 AAP - Police have arrested three anti-logging protesters and moved
17 other demonstrators from a blockade in the East Gippsland region of Victoria.

Goongerah Environment Centre (GEC) spokeswoman Fiona York said the protest was in an
area of old growth forest being logged less than 100 metres from the Goolengook forest.

The three protester who were arrested had chained themselves to logging machinery, she said.

"The rest of them have been moved out of the coupe by 20 or so Parks Victoria, DSE
(Department of Sustainability and Environment) and police," Ms York said.

Thirty arrests had been made at 15 blockades in East Gippsland since December 2005, she said.

The Goolengook Forest is the subject of an investigation by the Victorian Environment
Assessment Council (VEAC).

"This particular coupe is right on the border of the assessment area that VEAC is looking
into protection for Goolengook," Ms York said.

"While the Goolengook Forest is being investigated and under moratorium from logging,
forest of comparable value is being logged right next door."

The area was at the headwaters of the Arte River, and the old-growth forest and rainforest
were habitat for endangered flora and fauna, she said. Its unique eco-system was home
to more than 300 rare and threatened plant and animal species, including the tiger quoll
and the powerful owl.

"Premier Steve Bracks needs to do more than just investigate icon areas for the sake
of a few votes," Ms York said.

"All old growth forest needs to be protected immediately."

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