30 arrests as peaceful protest halts logging at Mt St Leonard

Media Release
The Wilderness Society (Vic) Inc.
7 June 2012

Thirty local residents and conservationists were arrested today in protest over the Baillieu government’s controversial logging of the Yarra Valley’s iconic mountain, Mt St Leonard.

Half an hour up the road in Lilydale, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott addressed a public meeting where he stated his reluctance to support clearfell logging.

Both events highlight the critical need for Premier Baillieu to pull government logging agency VicForests out of publicly-owned native forests.

“The message from this local community is very clear,” said Wilderness Society Forest Campaigner Amelia Young. “VicForests’ logging operations no longer have the local community’s support.”

“Premier Baillieu must immediately pull VicForests’ logging operations off Mt St Leonard and discard any faith he may have had in VicForests’ ability to manage native forests for the benefit of all Victorians”, said Ms Young.

The forests of Toolangi were unburnt by the tragic 2009 bushfires and are now a sanctuary for wildlife.

“The local community’s valiant efforts today send a clear message to the Baillieu government that so long as they keep logging iconic, valuable forests, business owners and residents will move to protect their local forests,” said Victorian Campaigns Manager, Luke Chamberlain.

“With thirty local residents and business owners taking such a clear stand, now is the time for Premier Baillieu to take steps to resolve this issue,” concluded Mr Chamberlain.

For further comment:
Amelia Young: 0404 074 577
Luke Chamberlain: 0424 098 729