Tree sits and protests continue to disrupt logging at Sylvia Creek

Protestors have continued to try and disrupt logging at Sylvia Creek in the Toolangi State Forest in Victoria with tree-sits delaying logging on both Monday and Tuesday of this week.

On Monday 8th of August a tree-sit established the previous night meant that logging could not proceed until the tree-sit was removed at 1PM and the protestor was removed by to Kinglake. A DSE officer declared the ground support team's camp fire illegal and insisted on extinguishing it with their drinking water supply, leaving them without warmth or water. The hot coffee and fresh scones that were delivered were very welcome however.

On Tuesday 9th of August two courageous young people locked-on to machinery in the coupe, preventing work from commencing. The DSE officers refused permission for the cameras to enter the coupe so they filmed protesters on the road outside the PSZ. As this was happening, the Search & Rescue team arrived and was unable to pass through the mass of people on the road. The group agreed to move aside if the media was allowed to film the operation but, again, the DSE would not allow this so rescue gear had to be carried in to the site. It didn't take long to remove the two protesters and they were driven out and delivered back to the waiting throng, who greeted them with cheers and applause.


Protestors gather at the Sylvia Creek site

The machinery started up at 1:40 and the first large tree was heard to fall ten minutes later. But once again the logging day has been greatly reduced by the actions of community members and we should see some good media coverage,

We intend to keep objecting to the destruction of Toolangi State Forest
and will need ongoing support, including more people who are willing to
take an active role including attending protests at the site. Also keep sending those letters to Ted, reminding him that in committing to continue destroying native forests, he is not supported by most Victorians.


One of the trees on the site that faces destruction

Geography: 

Comments

This is on Melbourne's doorstep! Step off the road into this forest - and you are into a wonderland!
A wonderland that survived the Kilmore fire to the west and the Murindindi fire to the east - its a miracle!

This miracle is a Green refuge - of high conservation forest!

Using the precautionary principal - we should not be logging this small remnant of forest!

Come and see for your selves - a little over an hours drive from Melbourne - come and support this campaign - its Day 24 now i think :-)