By Kath Gannaway
TOWNSHIPS in the Yarra Valley are being made more susceptible to catastrophic fires because of logging, according to Central Highlands environment group My Environment.
My Environment executive director Sarah Rees made the claims last week following the presentation of scientific reports at the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission stating that clear-fell logging can make forests more fire prone.
The group is calling for a moratorium on logging to test the scientific theories put forward.
Dr Ross Bradstock, a visiting fellow from Wollongong University, cited research done by Professor David Lindenmayer as evidence that regrowth forests from clearfell logging was a greater fire hazard than unlogged forests.
The research was contained in a paper released recently by Dr Lindenmayer which related in particular to wet forests and rainforests in terms of the impact of logging and other related disturbances.
“Logging can change forests in at least five interrelated ways that could influence wildfire frequency, extend and/or severity,” Dr Lindenmayer stated.
He went on to say that logging changed the microclimates of wet forests such as those in the ash forests of the Central Highlands resulting in canopy openings which ultimately increased drying of the understorey vegetation and the forest floor.
Dr Lindenmayer’s research also showed that clear-felling in moist forests may lead to a greater density of regrowth saplings which add to the fuel load and are more flammable than older forests.
His report states also that large quantities of logging slash created by harvesting operations can sustain fires for longer than fuels in unlogged forest, and that road networks required for logging operations create an increased number of ignition points for fires.
Dr Bradstock said that more research was needed to clarify the role logging plays in elevating wildfire risk on public lands.
Ms Rees supports that proposition, but is calling for a stop to logging while that research is tested.
“Now that the government has heard the experts we expect a moratorium as part of the Sustainable Logging Act to allow for tests to prove or disprove these scientists’ theories,” she said.
She said to continue the current logging practice untested was knowingly committing rural towns to a dangerous, non-viable future.
The Mail asked local MPs Ben Hardman and Tammy Lobato, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment for their responses to the call for a moratorium on logging.
Mr Hardman said the Royal Commission had heard a range of views about measures to reduce the risk and impact of bushfires.
“The government established the Royal Commission with the broadest possible terms of reference and capacity to inquire into every aspect of how and why the fires occurred and we look forward to receiving its final report,” he said.
No responses were received from Ms Lobato or the DSE in time for the Mail’s deadline.
