ethical paper, logging and the ombudsman

Since council resolved to support the Ethical Paper pledge back in April, there has been continuing and ongoing media interest.

The ongoing interference in local democracy is explored in this story in a local paper, I hope the state government is not trying to pressure our decision making process and our independence in decision making.

Paper warfare intensifies
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
21 June 2011

Even though we continue to be told that logging is managed sustainably, the Ombudsman has been asked to investigate VicForests:

Call for inquiry as salvaged wood exported

The Age

by Josh Gordon

20 June 2011

Ombudsman asked to investigate log exports
ABC News

20 June 2011

Bushfire logs heading offshore

774 AM
by Simon Lauder

Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh, says council has a developer for the VicForests office. Just for the record it was VicForests who approached the Shire of Yarra Ranges about the relocation, although the media doesn't seem too keen on reporting this. And VicForests did it under no illusion about the stance of council and it's opposition to logging of water catchments and the Toolangi region at the time.

Walsh reveals council had developers interested in building Vicforests office
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
21 June 2011

The export of salvage logs to China gets some local media attention:

China log shipment embarrasses VicForests
Maroondah Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
21 June 2011

Local member, Brad Battin, accuses council of 'rushing ahead with a motion without consulting with the community, just like it had done so with the Ethical Paper Pledge'.

Cox calls for more roadside planting
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
20 June 2011

Protesters continue to advocate on behalf of the threatened species of the Central Highlands forests.

Conservationists target paper office
9 News
by Belinda Cranston
23 June 2011