The Otway Conservation Council (OCC) is asking the Environment Minister Gavin Jennings to intervene to protect an area of forest that is currently being logged in the Wait-A-While Creek catchment, which is habitat for Yellow-bellied Gliders and Powerful Owls.
Stephen Chenery spokesperson for Otway Conservation Council, said "We have spoken with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) which okayed the logging in such a highly sensitive habitat area, but they have said they will not halt the logging. They had agreed to conduct an inspection of the coup with us, but have now reneged on the undertaking. We have now contacted the Premier John Brumby and the Minister for Environment Gavin Jennings and expect their reply early next week"
Logging in this area has also been opposed by the local landcare group, and landholders. "This area is of national park status because of it’s biodiversity values and should be added to the Great Otway National Park." said Mr Chenery,
"The area being logged contains many Yellow-bellied Glider feed trees which are at risk of damage from logging operations. All vegetation around them is being cleared which will expose them to wind damage thereby reducing the habitat value for both the yellow-bellied glider and the Powerful Owl. One habitat tree has already been felled." said Mr Chenery.