Hi all,
Currently the North-central region of Victoria is under investigation by the
Environment Conservation Council (ECC). This region encompasses nearly all of
the Box-Ironbark Forest found in Victoria and the northern plains and
woodlands. Since white settlement of Australia the majority of this forest
and woodland has been cleared for agriculture and mining, such that only
about 15% of the forest cover remains. Of the remaining forest most is in
very poor condition due to continued overexploitation by forestry, mining,
eucalyptus oil harvesting etc. Very little of this forest type occurs in
permanent reserves and it is nearly impossible to find any old growth areas
of Box-Ironbark forest. Probably the best known Box-Ironbark forest in
Victoria is at Chiltern.
Box-Ironbark forests and the northern plains woodlands support a fabulous
diversity of birdlife and should be well known to anyone who has birded in
South East Australia. Birds such as Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise parrot,
Swift parrot, Crested Bellbird, Barking Owl, Painted Honeyeater, Gilbert's
Whistler amongst many others are dependent on this type of forest. Sadly many
of these species are in decline due to overexploitation and fragmentation of
habitat.
The ECC is currently calling for submissions from people with an interest in
these ecosystems. The number and type of submissions will have a direct
bearing on the reccomendations of the ECC for future land use in this area.
If you have ever gone birding in this area or intend to do so in the future I
would urge you to send a submission to the ECC recommending that an adequate
reserve system be established in this part of Victoria and that land use be
sympathetic to the needs of the avifauna. Submissions to the ECC do not have
to be long and detailed, a single handwritten page stating your desire to
have this area protected is sufficient, commenting on the tourist potential
of the birding in the area and its economic benefit to the local economy
might also be a good idea. This is probably the best (and only) chance we
will have to protect some of this fabulous forest and woodland.
Submissions should be sent to:-
The Executive Officer
Environment Conservation Council
4th Floor, 115 Victoria Parade
Fitzroy, 3065
Victoria (Australia).
Submissions should be in before Monday 9th March.
If anyone would like further details I would be happy to supply them or
alternatively you could contact Charlie Sherwin at the Victorian National
Parks Association on (03) 96508296.
Cheers
Stuart.
Dr. Stuart Dashper
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit
School of Dental Science
The University of Melbourne
711 Elizabeth st
Melbourne 3000
Victoria
Australia
ph. 61 3 9341 0476
email
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