Supreme Court orders logging halt at Brown Mountain

In an historic win for the Victorian forest campaign, the Supreme Court has ordered a logging halt in Brown Mountain's old-growth forests in East Gippsland.

Environment East Gippsland courageously lodged the request for a logging injunction after the Victorian Government lifted a moratorium on the logging at Brown Mountain.  Environment East Gippsland has been fighting for decades to protect the magnificent old growth forests in East Gippsland.  The Wilderness Society, along with many concerned residents, volunteers and concerned Victorians have given their support to EEG's case.

One of the giant Brown Mountain trees that will hopefully be saved by the Supreme Court Injunction. Photo: Luke Chamberlain

The injunction against the logging will remain until the actual case is tried in the Supreme Court.  This may not occur until early 2010.

VicForests, the Victorian Government's commercial logging agency argued against the case, and pushed for logging to begin in the controversial Brown Mountain coupes this week.  Incredibly, VicForests argued that it is not their responsibility to comply, nor is it possible for them to comply, with endangered species legislation.

The Supreme Court outcome was reported in The Age, where the logging of old growth forests was compared to World War I battlefields.

The Wilderness Society congratulates Environment East Gippsland on this historic win, and calls on the Brumby Government to pull VicForests into line, protect our native forests and move the logging industry into value added processing of Victoria's vast plantation estate.

Take Action in Support of EEG's case

Write to Premier Brumby, demanding he protect all old growth forests in Victoria

Premier John Brumby

1 Treasury Place
Melbourne Victoria 3002

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