Breaches of the
Otway Forest Management Plan
An examination of forest management practice in the Otways reveals a consistent pattern of breaches to the Otway Forest Management Plan (OFMP) with respect to non-timber values.
The following is a review of Forestry Victoria failure to comply with twelve of the OFMP management directives. It is by no means an exhaustive review.
WATER VALUES
Section 6.5.4 Further Research
Incorporate Silvicultural Systems Project information
into reviews of this plan.
High Priority
One test site for the Silvicultural Systems Project was set up specifically to determine the impact of different logging techniques on water yield. Rather than having to include any findings of research into future OFMPs, Forestry Victoria cancelled the research in September 1994. The area has since been clearfell logged. Link
Section 6.5.2 Water Quality
Apply 200 m wide protective buffers around high
water level of all storage's in proclaimed water supply catchments.
High Priority
Logging occurred within 200 metres of the West Barwon Dam high water mark in March 1997. The West Barwon Dam is part of Geelong's water supply. Link
Section 6.4 Land Degradation
Protect land from degradation that may be
caused by forestry management practices. Protect streams by minimising
turbidity and sedimentation resulting from accelerated land degradation.
In November 1995, logging practices caused a massive landslide into Barham River. Link
TIMBER PRODUCTION VALUES
Section 7.1.2 Lower Graded Hardwood Logs
(Residual Roundwood)
Supply up to 60,000 tonnes of lower grade hardwood
logs, that is logs below D grade sawlogs specifications, to successful
applicants(s) arising from expressions of interests subject to negotiation
of licence terms and conditions.
High Priority
The upper limit for the amount of woodchip from the Otways has been breached every year for the past five years. Well over 60,000 tonnes of woodchip logs have gone to the woodchip mill each year. Link
TOURISM VALUES
Section 9.1 Tourism
Place the highest development priority on tourist
facilities in the area bounded by Apollo Bay, Mt. Sabine and Weeaproinah
High Priority
Clearfell logging was scheduled for the Mt Sabine Area, next to the Sabine falls. Community pressure has stopped the logging so far, but the area is once again scheduled for logging in the coming years. Link
Provide 2WD and 4WD access to recreation sites in 'roaded
natural' areas.
High Priority
Logging frequently occurs right up to edge of tourist roads in roaded
natural areas. Link
Section 9.3.6 Walking and Walking Tracks
Establish and promote two loops of one to two days
walking within the FMA. One loop is to be based around the Holy Water
Track - Glasgow Falls -Wangerrip area. The second will encompass the Cumberland
River - Lake Elizabeth - Mount Sabine area.
Medium Priority
Establish and promote an inland loop route connecting
with the proposed Great Ocean Walk through the Otway Range between Castle
Cove and Lorne. The suggested link is from Glenaire via Holy Water Track,
Halls Ridge, Beauchamp Falls, Stevenson Falls, Lake Elizabeth, Curtis
Clearing and Cumberland Track to Lorne.
High Priority
The Forestry Victoria has not put any new walking tracks since the OFMP was introduced, including any of the suggested walks above.
The Forestry Victoria refuses to consult and work with community groups proposing to develop the Trans Otway Walk.
NRE has closed the existing Sabine Falls walking track claiming it is too expensive to maintain. No walking tracks developed, existing walking track/s closed because of the maintenance costs. Link
Section 6.6 Landscape
Modify silvicultural techniques to help achieve
visual quality objectives subject to specifications flowing from the SSP.
High Priority
Forestry Victoria ignores Visual Quality Objective when they schedule and authorise areas to be logged. See more information.
Prepare, in consultation with interested public groups,
specific visual management guidelines for all proposed activities (including
harvesting) which may be visually apparent within Zone A.
Medium Priority
No public consultation occurs despite local community protests over the visual impacts of logging. See Wild Dog Ridge Campaign
BIODIVERSITY VALUES
Section 8.4.3 Significant Pest Insects and
Diseases
Investigate the extent, rate of spread and floristic
impact of Myrtle Wilt.
High Priority
Forestry Victoria have suppressed Myrtle Wilt scientific reports from the public. Link
Section 6.2.3 Significant Plant Species
Manage flora listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora
and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 in accordance with approved Action Statements
and Flora and Fauna Management Plans.
Medium Priority
The government have failed to create the Action Statements required to provide prescriptions to protect endangered species from logging practices. Link
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