Greens MP Sue Pennicuik drove up to Brown Mt to witness the destruction and breaches of the law which have been occurring. She spoke with contractors (in Stony Creek) and spoke with protesters. Walked into these areas - where there has been rainforest logging, the illegal taking of a giant tree outside the designated logging boundary and where there is much evidence of the illegal taking of burls (commercial operation).

Saw the endangered crayfish - Yabbie races across the rest of Aust - endangered Orbost Spiny Cray (Euastacus diversus) has been discovered in Brown Mt Creek - with this one, it's a race against time to have it recognised by the government before its habitat is logged.

DSE are more worried about whether the people who discovered it had a permit rather than if the crayfish warrants protection from bulldozers near its creek.

High populations of arboreal (tree living) mammals also discovered in Brown Mt this weekend by researchers - their densities should trigger protection for the area under the Forest Management Plan prescriptions. Immediate halt to logging plans while the rich wildlife site is verified by DSE. Greater Gliders and Yellow-bellied Gliders (Potoroos also found across the track).

Many breaches constantly being discovered

1. bulldozing of mixed rainforest along Brown Mt Creek in readiness to start clearfelling the adjoining stand of ancient forest.
2.  contractor/logger being investigated for theft of burls.
3.   Huge old tree has been felled outside the coupe boundary - illegal logging.
4. VicForests has prohibited access through the tourist road into the park for the past 3 months of holidays - with no alternative route offered. Only two days ago after weeks of complaint have they made a change that allows tourists into the National Park! Who owns these areas!?
5.  logging has continued against occ health and safety regs when members of the public are present. Understand that Worksafe is investigating.
6. Bulldozers used oil filters left lying on the ground contaminating soil and eventually water course.

This is how the Brumby Government treats our National Heritage of ancient forests and threatened species - on Australia Day!

Members of the public can be and are charged for entering these areas to expose the illegal goings on - but no one is checking on the loggers or VicForests!

Bulldozer boundary track has been put around the adjoining stand of old growth in prep for the start of clearfelling this week!

It's one minute to midnight. Please help in whatever way you can -

1. Get up here to help stall the logging -
2. Call the Premier's office (bypass Jennings) 9651 5000 and get outraged by any of the above ...
3. Pass this email around to friends or any journalists you know.
4. Find a VIP/sports celeb etc who might like to help up the profile of this issue (cottage accommodation if they want to visit)
5. There could be a new group of older women (seniors) about to start getting active. Do you know others who could join in?
6. Call talkback radio and speak your heart
7. Write short pithy letters to newspapers (dailys or metro - eastern burbs useful).
8. Handwrite (most influential), type or email a letter to Brumby demanding an immediate halt to logging of such a rich area. Write to the Treasurer John Lenders (c/-Parliament House Spring St Melb) demanding VicForests be pulled into line - for economic and on the ground accountability.

in haste ... Jill