A CHRONOLOGY OF FOREST USE AND CONSERVATION IN VICTORIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE OTWAY REGION.
COMPILED BY WARREN MORTLOCK AND JOHN DARGAVEL
Otway Project Working Paper 1989/1
Forest Management Planning Project
PART B
CHRONOLOGY OF FOREST AND CONSERVATION 1970-87
1970
- Premier (Bolte) dedicates Captain James Cook National park (2640ha); now part of Croajingalong NP. *1.
- Land Conservation Council Act passed, establishing the Land Conservation Council. *1.
- Forestry Commission, NSW grants Harris-Daishowa a 20 year licence to export woodchips from Eden.
- Commonwealth Government lays down guideline price for woodchip exports.
1971
- In February there were 22 National Parks covering some 196,000 ha, or 0.89% of Victoria. *12.
- In March the National Parks Authority was replaced by the National Parks Service. Then 23 national parks cover 202,612 ha. *1.
- Woodchip exports commence from Eden and Tasmania (TPFH).
1972
- Woodchip exports from Tasmania expand with two additional mills (APPM and Northern Woodchips, now Forest Resources).
- Lorne Forest Park declared after a campaign by the Lorne Progress Association. *10.
- Organ Pipes National Park (66ha) established. *1.
- Land Conservation Council South West 1 study area report released in August. *2.
- Land Conservation Council South West 1 study area proposed recommendations released in December. *2.
- Land Conservation Council releases study area reports for South Gippsland 1 and North East 1 areas in December. *2.
1973
- Ministry for Conservation Act promulgated. The new Ministry includes National Parks Service and other conservation orientated aganices. *1.
- Land Conservation Council South West 1 study area final recommendations released in April. *2.
- Land Conservation Council releases a number of further study area reports, proposed recommendations and final recommendations. *2.
- Land Conservation Council Melbourne study area report released in December. *2.
1974
- Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act enacted by Commonwealth.
- Land Conservation Council releases further study area reports, proposed and final recommendations. *2.
- Victorian Govt buys resort in Mt. Buffalo National Park; management by National Parks Service. *1.
- Western Australia issues woodchip licence (WA Chip and Pulp).
1975
- Australian Heritage Commission Act enacted by Commonwealth.
10 Jan West Australian marri woodchips and pulp sent to Japan on trial contract for 750,000 tonnes/year for 15 years. *3 Australian: supplement.
29 Jan Australian Conservation Foundation releases booklet The Great Forest Sellout strongly attacking the woodchip industry. *3 Age, Australian Financial Review.
Feb Land Conservation Council Melbourne study area proposed recommendations released. *2.
7 Feb Federal Softwood inquiry conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation, is in progress. *3 Australian Financial Review.
5 Mar Victorian Government plans major financial help (up to $1m/yr) to sawmilling industry - sawmills to be eligible for grants. *3 Age.
8 Mar Melba Gully Park (120 acres) donated by landowners. Management by a trust comprising National Parks and Wildlife Service, and a Local Advisory Committee. *3 Herald.
9 Mar The Forests Commission, Victoria commenced a major environmental study into feasibility of pulpwood industry in East Gippsland. *3 Age.
20 Mar Ministry for Conservation (2 years old) announces 2 new bills for spring session parliament - Wildlife Bill and new National Parks Bill. *3 Herald.
7 May The Forests Commission, Victoria, granted a 300 acre woodchip licence in East Gippsland earlier this year. According to Australian Conservation Foundation this breaches a promise made by the Premier that no woodchip licence would be granted until the completion of Land Conservation Council study. *3 Australian.
14 May Report of Working Group examining the economic and environmental aspects of hardwood chip export tabled in Federal Parliament yesterday. *3 Australian Financial Review.
16 May Premier (Hamer) halts woodchip operations in East Gippsland as a result of pressure from the anti- woodchip lobby. *3 Age.
20 May Queensland - Fraser Island sandmining issue hits Melbourne papers. *3 Age.
29 May FORWOOD Conference report released: forest industry blueprint to the year 2010. * 3 Australian.
1 Sep The Forest Commission, Victoria increases royalties from sawmillers by 25% from today. *3 Sun 16.9.75.
3 Sep Federal Government abandons promise of $20 million grant to States over 3 years to buyback land for conservation. *3 Age.
23 Sep Victorian Government legislates to declare sawmilling a ‘decentralised secondary industry’ - as promised on March 5th. *3 Herald.
30 Sep Premier (Hamer) announces the commencement of the Portland particle board plant - Softwood Holdings project to be operational by July 1977. *3 Sun.
22 Oct Conservation Council of Victoria will oppose any major pulpwood industry in East Gippsland. *3 Herald.
30 Oct Kilndried Timber Industries (Colac) claims that imported timber at low prices has dramatically hit local industry. *3 Herald.
11 Nov Governor-General dismisses the Australian Labor government (Whitlam) from office. Liberal caretaker government installed (Fraser). *4.
1 Dec A new National Parks Act allows for the establishment of ‘other’ parks (Warrandyte State Park and Cape Schank Coastal Park established). Park Advisory Committees can replace Committees of Management. *1.
9 Dec The Forests Commission, Victoria (Moulds) says an ‘integrated sawlog and panel board industry at Portland ... is the ... culmination of plans laid 25 years ago with Forest Commission, Victoria softwood plantations there’. *3 Age.
13 Dec Liberal/National Party Coalition wins Federal election. *4.
1976
21 Feb Premier (Hamer) rejects the recent findings to scrap the Land Conservation Council by Sir Henry Blands’ inquiry into the Public Service, and publicly endorses the Land Conservation Council. *3 Age.
3 Mar Both sawmillers and conservation lobbies are unhappy with the Land Conservation Council recommendations for East Gippsland. *3 Weekly Times.
11 Mar Forests Industries Resource Management Group, commissioned by the Premier and the Land Conservation Council to do a social and economic study of the Alpine study area, finds that reduced timber harvesting ‘could cripple the State’s timber industry’. *3 Sun.
15 Mar Growing concern in the timber industry at prospect of reduced harvesting of alpine timber resources. *3 Sun. The Australian Conservation Foundation says that timber industry is over- reacting to real economic effects of an Alpine National Park. *3 Sun 12.3.76.
18 Mar Forest Commission, Victoria (Moulds) publicly backs woodchip schemes in East Gippsland. *3 Age.
3 Apr Forests Industries Resource Management Group wants restructure of the Land Conservation Council so that there are fewer conservationist representatives, and has begun lobbying. *3 Age.
4 Apr Premier (Hamer) announces a committee to be established to examine ways of preserving at least 5% of Victoria’s land area for conservation. *3 Age.
22 Apr Land Conservation Council Mallee area recommendations released: sets aside 270,000 ha for parks and conservation areas. *2, *3 Age.
May Land Conservation Council Corangamite Study area report released. *2.
26 May National woodchip inquiry by Senate Standing Committee on Science and Environment - first hearings commence. *3 Age.
25 Aug Victorian National Parks Association releases details of a proposal for an Alpine National Park. *3 Weekly Times.
9 Sep Premier (Hamer) extends Softwood Plantation Loans Scheme which has been going 10 years with great success - provides loans to landholders for pine plantation establishment. *3 Sun.
17 Sep Campaign to ‘Save the Otways’ will hold a ‘Forum on the Forests’ on 2.10.76 in Geelong, organised by the Geelong Environment Council. *3 News, Geelong.
19 Sep West Australian woodchip loading plant bombed, guards tied up. *3 Age.
Oct Exploiting the Otways for Pines and Pulp, a conservation report by Ian Penna released to provide background to the Land Conservation Council Corangamite study. *11.
3 Dec Portland particle board plant construction begins - Softwood Holdings Pty Ltd. *3 Portland Observer.
10 Dec National woodchip inquiry - Interim Report tabled in Federal Parliament, recommended no export licences for any new woodchip projects. *3 Age.
1977
Jan Land Conservation Council Melbourne study area final recommendation released following two years of debate: approx 1390 sq km of public land within 100km of the city to be developed as parkland. *2, *3 Age.
21 Jan Industries Assistance Commission to investigate timber and timber products industries. *3 Sun.
3 Mar Row over fungus (cinnamon) in native forest between ‘scientists’ (Keane and Rawlinson) and Forests Commission, Victoria (Moulds) *3 Age.
21 Mar Native Forests Action Council (I. Penna) alleges cover up by the Forests Commission, Victoria over the extent of fungus in Victoria. *3 Sun.
31 Mar State Labor conservation spokesperson (Cathie) sides with conservationists in the fungus debate. * 3 Sun.
May Land Conservation Council Mallee study area final recommendations released. *2.
4 May Premier (Hamer) decides to reserve permanently 5% of Victoria’s land for conservation - announced proposed parks at Croajingalong, Wyperfield, Wilson’s Promontory etc. *3 Herald.
23 May New Victorian Wildflowers and Native Plants Act 1977 effective from today. *3 Age.
25 May National Woodchip Inquiry Woodchips and the Environment report tabled - urges a clampdown on woodchips. *3 Age.
29 Jun Australian Labor Party elects F.N. Wilkes as opposition leader in the Victorian Parliament. *4.
5 Jul Native Forests Action Council survey says less than one-third of Melbournians know about woodchip plans in East Gippsland and a majority of that one-third disapprove on environmental grounds. *3 Age.
3 Aug Barramunga woman complains to Otway Shire Council over pine plantations. *3 Herald.
6 Aug Victorian Sawmillers Association recommends 30% cut in pine production because of a slump in housing industry. *3 Age.
2 Sep Timber industry ‘crisis’ reported by the Victorian Sawmillers Association quoting figures that show a 12% reduction in the industry workforce since January. *3 Australian.
5 Sep Minister for Conservation (Borthwick) announced a 6,960 hectare park at Mt. Samaria in N.E. Victoria. *3 Age
6 Sep State Government will be asked to establish a large National Park in Otways as a result of the ‘Otways in Danger’ forum held at Lorne. *3 Geelong Advertiser, Herald.
8 Sep State budget details - Ministry for Conservation budget boosted by $28m., National Parks and Wildlife Service up by $1m. *3 Age.
12 Sep Timber industry royalties will be ‘pegged’ this year to aid sawmilling industry. *3 Age.
21 Sep Land Conservation Council Corangamite area proposed recommendations released - recommends 6 new parks. *3 Weekly Times.
4 Oct Apollo Bays only sawmill closes - 15 men were employed. *3 Herald.
25 Nov Land Conservation Council Corangamite area proposed recommendations - submissions close - 220 received. *3 Weekly Times 21.9.77.
1978
5 Jan Colac Field Naturalists criticise Victorian Land Conservation Council Corangamite study area National Park proposals. *3 Herald.
15 Jan Portland particle board plant opens and is in production. Softwood Holdings. *3 Herald.
Feb Public Land Utilisation Council formed as a lobby group by timber industry interests and its support groups. *3 Weekly Times 19.3.78 Melb.
3 Mar Industries Assistance Commission draft report released on Timber, Timber Products and Plywood recommends only minor changes in assistance to the local timber industry. *3 Australian Financial Review.
6 Mar Minister for Conservation (Borthwick) tours the Otways with conservationists (Lindros, Prescott, Woodford). *3 Geelong Advertiser
6 Apr Land Conservation Council Alpine area proposed recommendations released. *2.
7 Apr Tasmanian governments concessions to the pulp industry may be scrapped with review of pulp cuts. *3 Australian Financial Review.
12 Apr Industries Assistance Commission recommends to increase tariff on Malaysian timber imports by 15%. *3 Age
19 May New South Wales acting Premier (Ferguson) approves 15 year woodchip license from North Coast areas through Newcastle. *3 Age
26 May Dr. F. Moulds retires on his 65th birthday, after 47 years as head of the Forests Commission, Victoria. *3 Sun.
10 Jun Australian Conservation Foundation rally (500 protesters) in Bourke Street Mall over the future of the Victorian Alps - the foundation critical of ‘timid’ Land Conservation Council Alpine area proposals. *3 Age.
16 Jun Victorian National Parks (Amendment) Act provided for the establishment of Burrowa-Pine Mountain NP (17300 ha), seven ‘other’ parks, and additions to 12 existing Nps and 2 existing ‘other’ parks. *1.
21 Jun Senate Committee to report on long term development of Australian forest products industries. *3 Weekly Times.
22 Jun Colac Field Naturalist Club attacking Associated Kiln Driers (Colac) over recent softwood activity in the Otways. *3 Herald.
26 Jun Conservation Council of Victoria forms as Otways Committee to evaluate resources and management of the area: includes Dewar Goode (National Trust), Joan Lindros (CCV), Geelong Environment Council, Australian Conservation Foundation, Geelong Field Naturalists, Victorian National Parks Association, Town and Country Planning Authority. *3 Sun, Environment Victoria March 78.
28 Jun Australian Newsprint Mills still planning a mill at Albury - now $155m project. *3 Age.
Jul Land Conservation Council North Central study area report released. *2.
25 Jul Heyfield logging quota halved in a self-imposed industry restriction: a result of timber industry doldrums. *3 Herald.
26 Jul Tasmanian Government abandons Forestry Royalties Inquiry legal review (setup 7 April) - pulp industry lobby wins the day. *3 Australian Financial Review
10 Oct Conservation Council of Victoria calls on government to make Alpine Park the subject of a public inquiry in a bid to make it an election issue: following widespread controversy since Land Conservation Council Alpine area recommendations released. *3 Australian Financial Review.
3 Nov Land Conservation Council Corangamite Area final recommendations released with few changes to the proposed recommendations. *3 Age
5 Dec Federal Cabinet again considers tariff assistance to the domestic timber and timber products industries next week. *3 Age
19 Dec National Parks Act passed providing for the reservation of 4 new Nps (Baw Baw, Tingaringy, Croajingalong, Snowy) 16 ‘other’ parks and additions to 12 existing parks in two stages (26.4.’79 and 26.4.’80). Thereby trebling the area managed by the National Parks Service to about 77 5000 hectares. *2 Age
21 Dec Federal Govt accepts most of the Industries Assistance Commission recommendations on timber, timber products, plywood and veneer. *3 Australian Financial Review.
1979
3 Feb Premier (Hamer) announces 350 ha. enlargement of Mt . Worth National Park near Warragul. *3 Age.
16 Apr Aboriginals claiming land rights over Framlingham State Forest east of Warrnambool blockaded the forest in a land rights protest. *3 Age
25 Apr Minister for Conservation (Borthwick) announced 4 new national park areas (Croajingalong, Snowy River, Baw Baw, Big Desert) and 9 new state parks, effectively doubling park areas (now about 3% of State) in Victoria, just prior to elections *3 Age.
May Land Conservation Council South West 2 study area report released. *2
12 May CSIRO announces technology for an alternative use for wood as charcoal for fuel supplementation. *3 Age.
16 May Victorian Liberal Government re-elected. Vasey Houghton now Minister for Conservation and Lands and Granter is Minister for Water Supply and Forests. *4.
23 May New South Wales conservation battle at Terania Creek now a big issue reported in the Melbourne media. *3 Age.
23 May Forests Commission, Victoria farm forestry loans scheme broadened - now funds treeplanting for erosion, salting, amenity, improving farm environment and improving or extending remnant native vegetation. *3 Weekly Times.
7 Jun Conservation Council of Victoria report ‘Every Last Stick’ slams Forests Commission, Victoria’s management of the Grampians and calls for a National Park. *3 Age.
8 Jun National Party members present a petition in Parliament (1200 signatures) requesting no change to Alpine areas. *3 Border Morning Mail Albury.
15 Jun Land Conservation Council Alpine study area final recommendations released with three significant but unrelated park areas, which would be subject to logging and grazing. Concept of an all-encompassing Alpine National Park nurtured by many in and outside of government suffers a defeat. *2, 3 Age.
20 Jun Project Treecover begins. Funded by Garden State Committee. *4.
29 Aug Forests Commission, Victoria announced 20% increase in royalties to operate from 1.9.79. * 3 Snowy River Mail.
7 Sep Federal Government to fund $5.7m for States to ‘maintain’ softwood plantations in 1979/80. *3 Weekly Times.
26 Sep New South Wales State cabinet suspends indefinitely logging at Terania Creek. A major conservation victory in N.S.W. *3 Australian.
Victorian Sawmillers Association wants aid for sawmills following recent increases in royalties and freight charges by the Victorian Government and depressed market conditions. *3 Weekly Times.
19 Oct Actual increase in sawlog royalties reduced from 20% to 17.5% by the Victorian government. *3 Farmers Weekly Cohuna.
13 Nov National Party stands alone (for the first time ever) and criticizes Liberal and Opposition big Alpine Park plans (still circulating). MLC Evans motivator (he brought the earlier petition to parliament 8-7-79). *3 Age
17 Nov Liberals cross floor to join Labor and defeat a National Party move on Alpine Study Area - 37 to 4. *3 Age
- Franklin Dam issue hits Melbourne media with background reports. *3 Age.
11 Jan Premier (Hamer) announces changes to ‘once only’ logging in 5 areas as Land Conservation Council Alpine area final recommendations go through parliament just prior to end of sessions. Provokes angry response from conservation groups. *3 Age, Sun.
20 Apr Minister for Conservation (Houghton) announced 7 new State Parks (including Hattah-Kulkyne, Lake Albacutya, Eildon, Beechworth Historic, and Yea River). On target for 5% of the State as park by the next election. *3 Age.
6 Jul Forests Commission, Victoria confirms it is preparing an environmental impact statement on woodchip industry in East Gippsland - decision after public comment and statement by Minister for Conservation. The woodchip scheme proposals for East Gippsland re-emerge with industry, government, and conservation groups all better prepared and skilled at public campaigning. *3 Age.
26 Aug Aboriginals claiming land rights over Framlingham State Forest east of Warrnambool meet with the Minister for Conservation. *3 Age.
2 Sep Victorian Labor Party politicians back land rights claim and visit Framlingham forest. *3 Herald.
13 Sep Prime Minister (Fraser) intervenes and signs handover of Framlingham forest to Aboriginies. *3 Australian.
3 Oct Japanese study $300 million pulp mill for Wesley Vale in Tasmania. *3 Age.
18 Oct Liberal/National Party Coalition (Fraser) retains office after a general election in federal parliament. *4.
19 Nov Forests Commission, Victoria announces new tree planting scheme providing up to $2,000 to any person or organisation for treeplanting projects. *3 Weekly Times.
1981
10 Jan Forests Commission, Victoria calls for tenders for a 500,000 tonne woodchip contract in East Gippsland. *3 Age.
27 Jan Victorian Labor Party shadow ministers (Kent and Murphy) promise only logging debris for woodchips in East Gippsland, under a labor government. *3 Age.
Feb Central study area final recommendations. *2.
- Council Gellions Run study area proposed recommendations released. *2.
1 Feb Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works report released opposing logging in Melbourne catchments on water quality grounds. *3 Age 1.2.81.
25 Mar Bogong National Park to be declared on October 1st. *3 Age
2 Apr Minister for Water Supply and Forests (Granter) announces that softwood plantings in East Gippsland are to double each year. *3 Age.
29 Apr Forests Industries Resource Management Group pamphlet “East Gippsland Woodchip - Some Facts’ included as a supplement in the Snowy River Mail. *3 Snowy River Mail Orbost.
2 May Government (Hamer really) decides to ban logging in Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works catchments. Angry reaction from the Victorian Sawmillers Association. *3 Age
19 May Legislation passed which included provision for establishing Otway NP (12 750 hectares) on 1.7.1981, Bogong NP (81 000 hectares) on 1.10.81, Wonnangatta - Moroka NP (107 000ha) on 1.7.82, two ‘other’ parks, and for additions to several existing parks. *1.
3 Jun Premier’s (Hamer) press release reveals that Smorgan Consolidated are planning a woodchip mill at Geelong to use Otway hardwood. *3 Age
5 Jun Hamer resigns as Premier of Victoria and Thompson is appointed. *4.
15 Jun Victorian government puts 70,000 tonnes of logging residue from the Otways up for tender. *3 Weekly Times 15.7.81.
17 Jun Victorian Labor Party Shadow Ministers for Environment (Walker) and Forests (Kent) say the government should release plans of Otway woodchip proposals: about 200,000 tonne contract with Smorgan Consolidated is widely mooted. *3 Standard Warrnambool.
17 Jun Native Forests Action Council launched the Sassafrass Declaration, a large petition against East Gippsland woodchipping recently. Expected to raise 50,000 signatures by June 1982. *3 Melbourne Times.
17 Jun Minister for Forests (Granter) who is also member for Central Highlands shifted to Police and Emergency Services. *3 Age
17 Jun Geelong Environment Council (Joan Lindros) is in total opposition to any Otway woodchip plans, and asks why no environmental impact statement has been prepared. *3 Herald Colac.
20 Jun Guidelines for Otway woodchipping to be announced in cabinet next week. *3 Geelong Advertiser.
1 Jul Otway National Park declared. (see 19.5.81) *1.
9 Jul Australian Conservation Foundation, Conservation Council of Victoria, and Native Forests Action Council in united opposition to the Land Conservation Council’s proposed doubling of area under pine plantations in north east Victoria. *3 Age.
22 Jul Forests Commission, Victoria grants licences to sawmillers to harvest forest residue in East Gippsland. *3 Snowy River Mail Orbost.
Aug 100,000 tonne ‘trial’ woodchip scheme commenced in the Cann River area, apparently after Cabinet approval earlier in year. *6 see 22.7.81.
8 Aug Forests Commission, Victoria preliminary report on Otways woodchipping released: woodchipping ‘essential to viable use of the forest resource’. *Geelong Advertiser.
10 Aug Forests Commission, Victoria releases an environmental impact statement on woodchipping in East Gippsland prepared by W.D. Scott Pty Ltd. *3 Bairnsdale Advertiser.
12 Aug Conservation Council of Victoria attacks both Otways and East Gippsland environmental impact reports as inadequate and inconsistent. *3 Age.
17 Aug Victorian Sawmillers Association welcomes both the environmental impact statements on woodchipping. *3 Age
Oct Conservation Council of Victoria, Native Forests Action Council, and Australian Conservation Foundation, withdraw from and boycott the East Gippsland Environmental Effects Statement over concern at the misuse of the Environmental Effects legislation by government. *6.
1 Oct Bogong National Park declared. (see 19.5.81). *1,3 Age
7 Oct Divulged in parliament that Smorgons Pty Ltd are planning to export 200,000 tonnes woodchip from the Otways - made up as 130,000 tonnes softwood and 70,000 tonnes hardwood chips. *3 Geelong Advertiser.
13 Oct Conservation Council of Victoria has withdrawn in protest from the Environmental Effects Statement for East Gippsland saying it is a ‘simple forestry management prescription’ and calling for a complete halt to the trial woodchip operations. * Age
15 Oct Minister for Forests (Austin) says government can’t grant Otways chip licences until Minister for Conservation decides whether to do an environmental impact statement or not. *3 Standard Warrnambool.
27 Oct Minister for Forests (Austin) widely supports woodchipping - claims the fears that it is detrimental to forests are unfounded. *3 Age.
30 Oct Smorgons publicly announce a 250,000 tonne/year Otway woodchip plans - 70,000 tonne from hardwood forests, 100,000 tonne from hardwood sawmill waste and private thinnings. *3 Herald Colac.
Nov Senate Standing Committee on Trade and Commerce release its report on ‘Australia’s Forestry and Forest Products Industries’ finds that pine plantations are currently excessive. *6.
3 Nov Victorian Labor Party pledge to stop further woodchipping in hardwood forests in Victoria. *3 Standard Warrnambool.
16 Nov Land Conservation Council Ovens Softwood area final recommendations released, recommending 13,700 ha for pine plantations: many disappointed. Local ALP candidtates see this as an election issue. *2,3 Chronical-Despatch Wangaratta.
27 Nov Protest (300 people) against Otway woodchipping proposals at Parliament House, Melbourne. Geelong Environment Council presented a petition with 6,000 signatures. *3 Geelong Advertiser.
22 Dec Law Institutes’ Environmental Law Committee claims government efforts to avoid an Environmental Effects Statement on Otways pulpwood are irresponsible. *3 Age.
23 Dec Victorian Labor Party gets assurance in Parliament that there will be no grant of new woodchip licences in Victoria without an environmental impact statement. *3 Standard Warrnambool.
23 Dec Australian Conservation Foundation (Mosley) says that Government efforts to avoid an environmental impact statement for the Otways are a scandal. *3 Age.
24 Dec Premier (Thompson) approves the 70,000 tonne Otway hardwood woodchip allocation. (Dr. R Grose now head of Forests Commission, Victoria). *3 Herald Colac.
25 Dec Victorian government appoints an interdepartmental task force to evaluate any extension of woodchipping operations in the Otway ranges - not an environmental impact statement. *3 Geelong Advertiser, Age.
31 Dec Opponents of Otways woodchipping announce they will mount a united campaign at the coming State election. *3 Herald Colac.
1982
1 Jan Year of the Tree declared this year in Victoria. *4.
11 Jan Minister for Forests (Austin) announces go ahead for 5,800 hectares of pine plantations in north east Victoria over next 4 years. *3 Chronicle-Despatch Wangaratta.
22 Jan Senate Standing Committee report tabled ‘Australia’s Forestry and Forest Products Industries’ - says area under pine plantations is excessive. *3 Chronicle-Despatch Wangaratta.
Feb Tasmanian government announced that Franklin River would be dammed in 1985 as part of the state hydro-electric scheme. *4.
3 Feb Rally against Otway woodchipping held in Lorne, and 120 people attend. *3 Herald Colac.
18 Mar Midway Products granted the option for 70,000 tonnes of hardwood pulp from the Otways. *3 Ballarat Courier.
22 Mar Confusion reigns inside and outside Parliament over just what the government is doing with woodchipping. *3 Herald Colac.
24 Mar Minister for Forests (Austin) increased Farm Forestry loans by 50%. *3 Weekly Times.
29 Mar Victorian National Parks Association slams the proposed logging in Grampians National Parks as setting a bad precedent! *3 Mail-Times Horsham.
4 Apr Victorian Labor Party wins state election after 27 years of Liberal government. Cain now Premier: Minister for Environment (Walker) and Minister for Forests (Mackenzie). *2,3 Age, Australian Financial Review 8.4.82.
8 Apr Reports that the woodchip debate caused election swings toward the government. *3 Herald Colac.
May Land Conservation Council South West 2 study area final recommendations released. *2.
20 May Victorian Labor government declares a moratorium on woodchip harvest licences, backs a full Otways environmental impact statement, and rescinds the 70,000 tonne allocation. *3 Geelong Advertiser, Herald Colac 21.5.82.
7 Jun Victorian government grants freehold title to the Framlingham Aboriginals for 1089 ha of Framlingham State Forest. *3 Age.
15 Jun Tasmanian environmentalists begin High Court action to stop the damming of the Gordon and Franklin Rivers. *8.
16 Jun Tasmanian government passes legislation to begin construction of the Gordon River dam. *8.
25 Aug Sawmilling industry is going through tough times says the Victorian Sawmillers Association: 700 retrenchments and non replacements this year of the 8,500 in workforce. *3 Herald Colac.
30 Sep Otway Interdepartmental task force report released. Recommends 70,000 tonne/year woodchip from Otways region and Minister for Forests (Mackenzie) should review timber harvesting policies in the area. 60 day public submissions beofre final decisions on Otways pulpwood. *3 Standard Warrnambool 1.10.82, 7.
Oct Land Conservation Council South West 1 study area Review proposed recommendations released. *2.
1 Oct Victorian government to increase timber royalties by an average of 15% from November. *3 Australian Financial Review.
Nov Land Conservation Council South Gippsland 2 study area final recommendations released. *2.
15 Dec Protesters blockade preliminary works on the Gordon River dam in Tasmania. *8.
Dec Southwest Tasmania is placed on the World Heritage list, but the Federal government refuses to influence the Tasmanian government’s determination to proceed with the dam. *8.
22 Dec Federal Government reduces tariffs on timber imports. Victorian Sawmillers Association says it has been ‘sold out’ by the tariff reductions. *3 Weekly Times.
30 Dec Victoria’s Year of the Tree ends.
1983
5 Jan Australian Conservation Foundation and farmers want the government to honour its election promise that there will be no further clearing of native forests for pine plantations, especially in north east Victoria. *3 Border Morning Mail.
3 Feb Minister for Conservation (MacKenzie) announces new measures for public input to logging and management plans in state forests. *3 Age, Geelong Advertiser, and detailed fauna and flora surveys, and a utilisation plan for public comment prior to logging. *3 Age 9.2.83.
8 Feb Giant dust storm sweeps across Victoria and engulfs Melbourne. *Age 9.2.83
9 Feb Huge Cann River fire (broke out 1.2.83) in far east Gippsland destroyed over 100,000 hectares of state forest. *3 Age.
16 Feb Ash Wednesday fires. Forests Commission, Victoria assesses damage to state forests (primarily Cann River) at about $45 million. Nearly all hardwoods are uninsured. Fires overshadow the election campaign. Officially 72 dead, 2,000 homes destroyed, and $400 million plus in damage. *4,3, Age.
Mar Land Conservation Council South West 1 study area Review final recommendations released. *2.
5 Mar Australian Labor Party gains a majority in federal elections. Hawke is new Prime Minister. *4.
14 Mar Minister for Forests (Mackenzie) announced phasing out of logging in Otway National Park by 30 June, 1985. Previous Hamer government promise was for logging up to the end of 1988. * Geelong Advertiser.
May Land Conservation Council Alpine study area Special Investigation proposed recommendations released. *2.
4 May Minister for Forests (Mackenzie) accepts a review teams recommendations to restructure the Forests Commission - first restructure in 60 years or more. * Age.
- Forests Commission, Victoria report ‘Preferred Options for Development of Wood Production in Victoria’ released. *3 Age.
10 Jun Restructures of the Land Conservation Council and Ministry for Planning and Environment are planned and Mackenzie goes back to Ministry for Conservation to replace Walker. *Sun.
1 Jul High Court rules against building the Franklin Dam. *8.
15 Jul Colac and district sawmill workers (100) go on 24 hour strike over a log of claims that includes a 38 hr week. *3 Herald Colac.
20 Jul Dispute goes state wide and 1,000 members of the Australian Timber Workers Union strike in Gippsland area. *3 Snowy River Mail Orbost.
1 Aug Timber Industry wins a 38 hour week in after Australian Timber Workers Union, Victorian Sawmillers Association and Timber Manufacturers Association met. *3 Herald Colac.
5 Sep Minister for Forests (Mackenzie) announces no increase in sawlog royalties this year, as a result of sawmillers lobbying. *3 Ballarat Courier.
29 Sep Victoria’s timber workers called to strike on December 1st over anticipated anti-logging recommendations in the forthcoming Land Conservation Council Alpine recommendations. *3 Herald.
Nov Federal budget 83/84 allocates $2.6 m to conservation: including $640,000 to voluntary conservation organisations (up significantly from $360,000 in last budget 82/83). *9.
22 Nov Land Conservation Council Alpine study area Special Investigation final recommendations released. *2.
22 Nov Victoria legislates to establish 1 new National Park (Grampians), 5 other parks, and extensions to 15 existing parks, totalling about 187,000 ha. *Weekly Times 30.11.83.
2 Dec Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Mackenzie) announces a comprehensive inquiry into the long term future of Victoria’s timber industry and a moratorium on logging in Roger River block (East Gippsland). *Age.
7 Dec Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Mackenzie) announced timber royalties to rise by an average 9.5% from January 1st in response to an upturn in building industry. Mackenzie also announced legislation to force payment - Government owed $3 million in back royalties. *3 Weekly Times, Mail Times Horsham.
24 Dec Federal and Tasmanian Governments announced a joint review of all woodchip operations in Tasmania. *8.
28 Dec East Gippsland Sawmilling Group (20 East Gippsland Sawmilling companies) formed to lobby the government over access to forest resources. *3 Warragul Gazette.
1984
4 Jan Victorian Sawmillers Association to begin media campaign. *3 Age
11 Jan Protesters (80) camp at Errinundra Plateau in East Gippsland and call for a total moratorium on logging there. *3 Age
12 Jan Cann River loggers say bloodshed is possible if conservationists blockade logging operations on the Errinundra Plateau. *3 Sun.
17 Jan Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Mackenzie) meets both sides at Errinundra - protesters now identified as the Nomadic Action Group and the Forest People. *13 Age.
17 Jan Australian Conservation Foundation, Native Forests Action Council, the Conservation Council of Victoria want logging to stop at Errinundra until the Victorian Timber Inquiry is over. *3 Australian.
21 Jan Sawmillers (Victorian Sawmillers Association) decide not to return to work until the 24th averting the blockade planned by protesters. Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Mackenzie) says from the 24th the government will be legally empowered to remove protesters - loggers wait for government moves. * Sun.
1 Feb Victorian Sawmillers Association says there is strong support for minimum/no change to present Alpine National Park - their studies say that the Land Conservation Council is operating regardless of public submissions, of which only one-third support park extensions. *3 Weekly Times.
2 Feb Police (90) raid the Errinundra protesters camp - logging still halted all week by rain. *3 Age
3 Feb Protesters (23) arrested by police at Errinundra Camp go into hiding. *3 Sun.
4 Feb More protesters (5) arrested by police at Errinundra. *3 Age
6 Feb Crowd (3000) at Orbost jeer conservation group representatives from stage at a public meeting. *3 Sun.
23 Feb Petition statement signed by 400 or more eminent Australian botanists, zoologists, and biologists calling for a logging moratorium in Errinundra region - published in newspapers. *3 Herald.
25 Feb Otway National Park protest blockade by the Otway Action (Roger Smith). *3 Age.
30 Mar Timber workers (2,500) demonstrate on steps of Parliament. Timber Workers Union calling for immediate adoption of the new Occupational Health and Safety Bill and the lifting of the 2 year moratorium on the Rodger River Block. *3 Age
11 Apr Victorian Timber Industry Inquiry to be headed by Professor I.S. Ferguson. *3 Border Morning Mail Albury.
May Victorian Timber Industry Inquiry terms of reference published and written submissions called for. *16.
31 May Victorian Sawmillers Association wants government to defer decision on proposed Alpine National Park and disband the Land Conservation Council. Moulds ex FCV chairman report behind this move by the timber industry. *13 Age.
6 Aug Public hearings of the Victorian Timber Industry Inquiry held in Melbourne and regional centres from 6.6.84 to 1.10.84. *16.
- Wilderness Society and Victorian National Parks Association do not want the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Conservation Forests and Lands to be merged - ‘biggest threat to conservation in Victoria’. *3 Age.
23 Aug Victorian timber industry inquiry begins. *3 Age
24 Aug Victorian government announces legislation for Autumn sessions of Parliament that will see a continuous Alpine National Park from Gippsland to the New South Wales border. *3 Age, Herald.
5 Sep Mountain cattlemen (200) ride through streets of Melbourne to Parliament House in protest against Alpine National Park. *3 Age, Weekly Times
Oct Federal budget allocation to conservation $28.7m - sees 34% increase in grants to voluntary conservation organisations, $850,000. *9.
30 Oct Australian Conservation Foundation and Conservation Council of Victoria allegations concerning leaked documents that show parts of Errinundra Plateau as scheduled for logging in 1984 season - government ‘making a mockery of current inquiries’. Say they are considering campaigning against the government at elections. *13 Age.
1 Nov Premier (Cain) admits at press conference that conservation groups would have electoral impact if they campaigned against the government at the next Victorian elections - widely mooted move. *3 Age
7 Nov Large group of country Shires form a task force to lift the timber industry/country people & towns image *13 Age.
1 Dec Hawke re-elected as Prime Minister and Australian Labor Party retains majority in federal parliament in federal election. *4.
7 Dec Final hearings of the Victorian Timber Industry Inquiry after a round of hearings in late November and early December. *16.
19 Dec State Conservation Strategy draft launched: ‘Victoria - ensuring our future’. *3 Age.
19 Dec East Gippsland Coalition formed. *13 Age 20.12.84.
20 Dec Conservation groups (ACF, EGC, CCV, WS) to form a united campaign against logging and woodchipping at the coming election. *13 Age.
1985
Jan Further blockade in the Otway National Park by Otway Action. *3 Herald Colac.
2 Mar Victorian State election held; Cain returned with reduced lower house majority from 17 to 6 seats *4.
5 Mar Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Mackenzie) looses Conservation, Forests and Lands portfolio a ‘casuality of factional manoeuvering’. *3 Herald.
26 Mar Reports of vandals causing extensive damage to logging equipment in the Errinundra and Bonang forest areas over. *3 Herald.
4 Apr Dr. Ron Grose ‘forest chief’ (State Forests and Lands) shifted out of Conservation Forests and Lands. *3 Herald.
21 May Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Mackenzie) original announcement in March 1983 that all logging in the Otway National Park will cease within two years. Logging scheduled to finish by June. *3 Herald, 14.
Jun Land Conservation Council Melbourne 1 study area Review report released. *2.
21 Jun Victorian Timber Industry Inquiry under Prof. Ferguson presents its findings to Minister for Conservation, Forests and Land (Kirner). Report to cabinet 1st week of July; cabinet guidelines by end of July; and then 6 weeks for public comment. *17.
4 Jul Alpine National Parks bill introduced to lower house by Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner): Age declaration by 1995 and includes ‘once only’ logging and grazing rights. Draft management plan due in 1986 and final plan in Dec. 1987. *4.
11 Jul Australian Council of Trade Unions ‘dumps’ the conservation lobby and sides with the forest products industry employers to reverse what they call ‘bias’ in the Victorian government against commercial expoitation of timber. *13 Age.
29 Jul Victorian Timber Industry Inquiry under Prof. Ferguson published its report public comment by the 6th September. *17.
20 Aug National Conservation Strategy final report released. *13 Age.
20 Aug Federal budget for 1985/86 sees an 11% increase in grants to voluntary conservation organisations to $945,000. *9.
16 Sep Closing date for comment on the Timber Industry Inquiry report. *17.
7 Nov Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner) releases the draft Timber Industry Strategy his week in response to the Ferguson Report published in July, which it basically endorses. submissions extended until December and final strategy scheduled for March 1986. *17.
14 Nov Federal government internal split over granting of woodchipping export licence approvals by Federal Minister for Agriculture (Kerin) in National Estate areas of Tasmania. *13 Age.
Dec Forests and Forest Products Industry Council publishes its strategy plan for the industry, based on a series of reports by industry working parties and a report on the Australian forest industries by consultants. *18.
- Cabinet decides to renew export licences for woodchipping in National Estate areas of Tasmania that were the subject of much debate on Nov. and Dec. greatly angered conservationists. *13 Age.
- The issue of logging in National Estate areas in Tasmania also on the boil as the Federal government is asked to intervene and override the Tasmanian Government plans in this regard. *13 Age.
1986
14 Jan New South Wales environmentalists will fight campaign to stop woodchip licence renewals in National Estate areas of their State after precedent of their recent renewal in Tasmania. *13 Sydney Morning Herald
Feb Minister for Planning and Environment now Kennan, Walker goes to Agriculture. *13 Age
24 Feb Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner) releases discussion paper on Rainforest Conservation in Victoria minutes before walking into a meeting with 500 conservationists over woodchipping in East Gippsland. Confirms all states rainforests are to be protected! *13 Age, 14
Mar Throughout March the Farmhouse Creek issue in Tasmania reached a head with gunshots fired at Bob Brown (*13 Age 8,10.3.86), and Tasmanian government invoking powers to arrest protesters. Many arrests. *13 Age 14, 19.3.86.
24 Mar Victorian government is to double its allocation of softwoods to the Bowater Scott company from plantations in the northeast of the state. Government is spending $5 million to buy 4000 ha for this purpose and no native forest will be cleared: conservationists say the agreement is ‘clouded in secrecy’. *13 Age.
27 Mar Victorian Sawmillers Association running half Page advertisements ‘Timber men as endangered species in East Gippsland’ in city papers. *13 Age.
29 Mar Sawmilling groups and East Gippsland residents blockade Princess Highway near Orbost, 60 and more trucks. *13 Age.
30 Mar Forest and Forest Products Industry Council announced a $1m. media campaign to increase awareness of forest industry and its role. *19.
3 May Conservation groups in Victoria step up campaign against woodchipping in final weeks prior to Timber Industry Strategy release (final redraft) and the Land Conservation Council’s East Gippsland review. *13 Age.
4 May Conservation groups held East Gippsland ‘summit’ meeting this week. *13 Age 3.5.86.
6 May Federal Government considering use of export license controls to force Tasmanian Govt to restructure its timber industry. *13 Age.
14 May Land Conservation Council East Gippsland Review proposed recommendations released: nearly double the area for parks. Nobody likes them. *2.
19 May East Gippsland Coaltion release 350 Page report on alternative employment in East Gippsland (P. Christoff and M.Blakers) *13 Age.
19 May Forest and Forest Products Industry Council prepared strategis plan for timber industry for federal Minister for Industry and Commerce under prices and incomes accord. Council backed by ACTU these days. *13 Age.
27 May Victorian Sawmillers Association organises 100 trucks from East Gippsland to blockade the city in protest at the Land Conservation Council recommendations for East Gippsland. *13 Age.
Jun Land Conservation Council Melbourne 1 study area Review proposed recommendations released. *2.
4 Jun National Institute of Economic and Industry Research commissioned by the Land Conservation Council, releases its report on effects of the Land Conservation Council’s recommendations on East Gippsland employment. Industry dwindling due to past overcutting with or without parks, 360 of 580 now employed will lose their jobs. *13 Age.
7 Jun Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner) news release says Timber Industry Strategy will limit woodchipping. *13 Age.
10 Jun Conservation groups outside Conservation, Forests and Lands for the week prior to Timber Industry Strategy release. *13 Age.
16 Jun Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner) asks Federal government for $1 million aid annually to replant native hardwood forests. *13 Age.
18 Jun Timber Industry Strategy released - 16% cut in logging native forests - limited woodchipping in East Gippsland and increased processing to add value to harvest. Cabinet approval next months. *13 Age.
23 Jun National Trust launches Forest Policy paper. *13 Age
28 Jun Conservation, Forests and Lands survey (by Ellenport Evans Camarkavis Pty Ltd) released - more than 10% respondents say timber industry and forest conservation were not key issues in public minds. *13 Age.
1 Jul East Gippsland Coalition running 1/4 Page advertisments in city papers - ‘Stop Woodchipping’. *13 Age.
17 Jul Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner) agreement last April to double Bowater Scott’s softwood allocation ‘cannot be met without clearing of native vegetation’ according to documents from Department of Conservation Forests and Lands obtained under Freedom of Information legislation against Labor party policy. *13 Age.
28 Jul East Gippsland Coalition runs 1/3 Page advertisements in city papers on East Gippsland. *13 Age.
15 Aug Forest Industries Campaign Association is allocated $1.75 million to begin in earnest a vigorous national promotional campaign which produces advertisements such as the ‘This man is an endangered species’ and ‘Some people can’t see the future for the trees’ which were highly controversial. *13 Age.
19 Aug Conservation groups threaten to campaign against government in marginal seats over the Timber Industry Strategy. *13 Age.
19 Aug Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner) officially launched the Timber Industry Strategy yesterday with Premier (Cain). *13 Age, 14.
19 Aug Federal budget 1986/87 allocation to conservation and environment maintained - voluntary conservation organisations increased from $945,000 to $1.01 million and $7 million for the first year of the $22 million National Rainforest Conservation Program. *9.
15 Sep Forest Industries Campaign Association begins its $1.75 million media campaign to improve the Australian timber industries image *13 Age.
17 Sep Department of Conservation Forests and Lands representatives on the Land Conservation Council 5 of them) may now be forced into a block vote says Victorian National Parks Association now that the Department is putting (long overdue) a combined submission (not seperated by Division) on East Gippsland to the Land Conservation Council. *13 Age.
29 Sep Australian Conservation Foundation releases a report ‘Public forests for private profit’ (by Penna) which alleges that the Victorian government is misled in thinking that timber companies are in dire straits. On the contrary, most East Gippsland companies are extremely profitable. *13 Age, 14.
11 Oct Former ‘Fisheries and Wildlife Service’ now within the new Conservation Forests and Lands is split into ‘Wildlife’ under the umbrella of National Parks and a separate ‘Fisheries’ division. *15.
22 Oct East Gippsland forests are put on interim listing by the Australian Heritage Commission. *13 Age, 14.
6 Nov Land Conservation Council votes on East Gippsland issue and the Director of Department Water Resources slams the Department of Conservation Forests and Lands submission saying it is full of errors and inconsistencies. *13 Age.
19 Nov Land Conservation Council East Gippsland Review final recommendations released - main elements are extensions to National Parks and support to opening timber areas to woodchipping. *2, 13 Age.
23 Nov Keep Gippsland Green rally concert held in Melbourne by East Gippsland Coalition - 5-7,000 people - largest ever rally as a Victorian conservation issue. *13 Age.
2 Dec Australian Bureau of Statistics releases report on statistical survey for the Department of Arts, Heritage and Environment on environmental issues - 47% of Australians concerned about the environment. *14.
6 Dec Arrests (protesters) in the Jackey’s Marsh conflict in Tasmania. *13 Age.
8 Dec Forest Industries Campaign Association runs full page advertisement in the Melbourne city papers. *14.
12 Dec Premier (Cain) chooses Bemm River (near Orbost) to announce Victoria’s part in the National Rainforest Program. Timber workers given time off to lobby Cain - noisy affair. *13 Age.
13 Dec Forest Industries Campaign Association Ltd. runs full page advertisement in the Melbourne papers again. *14.
22 Dec Land Conservation Council East Gippsland Review final recommendations released. *2, *13 Age.
24 Dec Victorian government plan not to harvest national estate areas in East Gippsland this year - well received by conservation groups. *13 Age.
26 Dec Tasmanian government has allowed logging to proceed in secret and in defiance of the Federal government moves to halt logging in national estate areas. *13 Age.
1987
Jan Federal Government’s moratorium ban on logging in National Estate areas of Tasmania defied and talks are held. The rather inactive federal government intends to legislate to outlaw logging in these areas whilst an inquiry is in progress for one year. *13 Age 20.1.1987.
13 Feb Timber Industry to spend $4 million over next 2 years, change public opinion on logging - more of the same from Forest Industries Campaign Association. *20.
28 Feb Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands (Kirner) announced $3.5 million plant at Mansfield. To produce high quality carbon using ‘spare’ wood from Central Highlands forests - $16 million exports, first of its type. *14.
Mar Forests and Forest Products Industry Council (Federal public servant) involvement in the Forest Industries Campaign Association propaganda campaign recieves criticism. A new group National Association of Forest Industries emerges to back the campaign. (has CSIRO and W.A. Department Conservation and Land Management members). *21.
25 Mar Telecom announced reafforestation projects in Victoria: perhaps conscience stricken following a disclosure that over 100,000 tonnes wood a year are used to print telephone directories. *14.
6 Apr Australian Conservation Foundation criticises ACTU over its strong support of national advertising campaign by Forest Industries Campaign Association. Also criticising Forestry and Forest Products Industries Council role in the $4 million promotion campaign in a view of their earlier undertaking was not to act as a lobby group. ACTU took part in the launch of ‘anti-greenie’ commercials last last year. *14 Age.
May Victorian National Parks Association through Spectrum Research conduct poll in Warrandyte (a marginal seat) which shows 60 percent, voters against logging in East Gippsland National Estate areas, 21 percent consider it a voting issue. *13 Age.
- Federal government legislates to halt logging in National Estate areas of Tasmania whilst an inquiry is in progress for one year. *13 Age.
20 May Forest Industry Campaign Association runs more adds ‘some people can’t see the future for the trees’. *14.
27 May Australian Conservation Foundation slams the Forest Industries Campaign Association media campaign spending $3.2 million this year, saying that the money should have been spent replanting forests! *14.
11 Jul Federal general election won by Australian Labor Party - conservation groups backed Labor at the election and claim significant swings in seats they targeted. *4, 22.
19 Jul Conservation groups held summit on the woodchip issue: boycott the Victorian government Environmental Effects Statement on woodchipping in Central and East Gippsland. *13 Age 20.7.87.
23 Jul Flora and Fauna Guarantee Bill (Draft) released. *13 Age.
27 Aug Queensland government approves the building of a road through the Daintree Heritage listing (proposed) area in far north Queensland. *13 Age.
26 Nov Victorian government will allow logging of areas in East Gippsland that are National Estate registered - North Coast Range and Yalmy block. *13 Age.
27 Nov Tasmanian government fails in its Federal Court challenge to Federal government legislation which halts logging in National estate areas of Tasmania whilst the Lemonthyme and Southern Forests inquiry is in progress. *13 Age.
12
Dec Federal government bans logging in the wet tropic World Heritage
listed areas. *13 Age.