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The Goolengook forest is in the heart of East Gippsland, in the state of Victoria, Australia,
East Gippsland's forests form a unique biodiverse ecosystem which has evolved since Australia separated from
the ancient supercontinent Gondwana some 65 million years ago.
Over 300 rare and threatened plant and animal species are found within the region's one million hectares of
forest. These old growth wet forests are the preferred habitat for animals such as the Spot-tailed
Quoll, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl
and the Long Footed Potoroo.
The region contains the largest contiguous areas of old growth and undisturbed forest in Victoria and is of
national and international significance. In 1987, the Victorian Government first officially proposed East Gippsland for World
Heritage Listing. At the time, the proposal was not supported by the Commonwealth Government, but several studies since have
confirmed the region has World Heritage values.
The old growth Forests of Goolengook were one of the first areas subject to logging following the signing
of the East Gippsland Regional Forest Agreement (RFA). This was met with a high profile and long running forest rescue protest.
The East Gippsland RFA has been publicly denounced by all environment groups who were involved in the process. The East Gippsland
RFA has only succeeded in escalating forest conflict in the region.
On Tuesday 5 March 2002, in a pre-dawn raid, the long standing Goolengook blockade camp was busted. GECO,
other conservationists and local people continue to campaign on several fronts.
With only 5% of Australia's original old growth forests remaining, the time to protect Goolengook is now.
WHAT YOU CAN DO!
GECO has asked PROACT to assist by publicising the issue and to urge others to show
international concern and support by writing or mailing to the Premier of Victoria, Steve Bracks,
(full postal addresses , fax numbers and a draft text below) copied to 'The Age' (the influential Melbourne newspaper
to which you can also write separately)
CLICK FOR DIRECT MAIL FORM
WINNING AN ELECTION IS JUST A BEGINNING ....
.... now please act responsibly for the future of your state.
The Honourable Steve Bracks
Premier of the State of Victoria
Australia
per e-mail
Dear newly-elected Premier Bracks,
In these days of climate change, vanishing species and global destruction of our dwindling natural resources,
it is inconceivable that any responsible government can unthinkingly plunder outstanding and irreplaceable natural treasures.
Now that you have won a further term in office we hope that you can match your apparent sustainability in
politics with a responsible and far-seeing policy of sustainability in the environment.
Biodiversity,
the balance of nature and, at the end of the day, the survival of our own human species, requires a global emphasis on conservation,
sustainability and responsibility which a regional or national elected body must also respect and promote.
Citizens of
your state have alerted us to the wilful destruction of the Goolengook forest with its ancient trees which provide rich and
diverse habitats for threatened flora and fauna. These actions have the support of you and your government. Valid and lawful
protests against this brutal rape of nature have led to violence, arrest and prosecution instead of dialogue. This hardly
promotes the democratic image of Australia, and the state of Victoria abroad.
We would like
to remind you that such ancient natural resources, which are of international importance, are the heritage of us all; and
not simply those wishing to make short term financial or political gains. Please inform us why you have rejected calls to
protect Goolengook by sanctioning unsustainable logging; and why you ignore the appeals of your citizens to put a stop to
this wanton devastation.
The protection
and conservation of the Goolengook forest has now attracted our support - and undoubtedly that of many concerned people worldwide.
We urge you to use your offices to put a stop to this unnecessary
destruction before it is too late; and secure the legitimate inheritance of many coming generations of Australians and Victorians.
Yours sincerely,
[Name and Address]
The Honourable Steve Bracks
Premier of Victoria
1, Treasury Place
Melbourne 3000
Australia
Fax: +61 30 9651 5054 and +61 30 397 7227
Letters to the Editor
The Age
250, Spencer Street
Melbourne 3001,
Australia
Fax: +61 30 9601 2414
A Proact Personal Support Initiative!
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