Labor’s Plan for Managing the Otway State Forest Water Catchments
(Extract from ALP Conservation & Environment Policy, June 2000, Page 23, 24)

The Victorian Labor Party recognises that there is considerable community concern in relation to the Kennett Government’s management of the proclaimed water catchments of the Otway State Forest

Communities in the region value the water catchments in the Otway State Forest as a major resource contributing to the region’s viability and capacity for growth. This resource must be protected

People in the Geelong region deserve to have their water catchments managed in a way which ensures that the availability and of the water supply is commensurable to that enjoyed by their counterparts in metropolitan Melbourne

Labor is appalled that in 1994 the State Liberal Government terminated the Otway Silvicultural Systems Project and that important long term hydrology research which would inform responsible management of the water catchments is yet to be completed

Labor will undertake comprehensive hydrology research to determine the impact of logging on water yields and water quality in the proclaimed water catchments of the Otway State Forest

An independent committee comprising representatives of relevant government departments, community interests, industry, and unions will oversee the study

Labor will also examine methods of improving Geelong’s water supply including increasing storage, reducing water utilisation and waste as well as measures to improve water yield