Maroondah Journal: Anti-logging push backed 27/05/2008
http://maroondah.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/antilogging-push-backed/777378.aspx
MAROONDAH Council has backed calls to oppose the harvesting of timber from Melbourne’s water catchment areas.
Last month, Ringwood North resident Lydia Cousins called on the council to support conservation groups with concerns about the impact logging is having on water in catchment areas such as Armstrong Creek.
It followed a campaign by the Melbourne Water Catchment Network, with the support of other conservation groups.
They believe that the clearfell logging of native forest in Melbourne’s water supply catchments is reducing the water supply for 3.6 million residents.
Maroondah joins seven councils, including Yarra Ranges, Knox and Whitehorse, in taking a stand against continued logging in the catchments.
Ms Cousins said it was a step in the right direction. “Ultimately, it is another brick in the wall towards actual support councils are showing to support scientific research of why logging in these catchment areas should stop.”
She said continued logging would affect Maroondah residents now and in the future.
The council’s director of city development Phil Turner said it was scientifically proven that the disturbance of forests in the form of harvesting and fire reduced the yield of water from catchments.
admin @ May 27, 2008