Logging appeal

By Dion Teasdale
THE battle over a proposal to log 100 hectares of forest in a rural conservation zone in Thoneman’s Road, Beenack, looks set to intensify.
The Moran Logging Company of Warburton, the company behind the logging proposal, has applied for a hearing with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
The move has angered Hoddles Creek residents who have accused the logging company of playing dirty tricks and preempting a Shire of Yarra Ranges vote on the proposal due next week.
Friends of Hoddles Creek (FOHC), a group strongly opposed to the logging plans, has accused Moran Logging of ‘squeezing’ a referral to VCAT in over the Christmas break.
FOHC member Keith Jesse said he questioned the fairness of leaving the community with less than a week to submit objections.
“We believe that this shows disdain for the opinion of the local community,” he said.
Mr Jesse said the lodging of a referral to VCAT ahead of the shire vote on the application sent a negative message to the community.
“We are disappointed that the applicant has chosen to by-pass due democratic processes by applying for a hearing with VCAT,” Mr Jesse said.
“This application is clearly a cynical attempt to by-pass community wishes.”
However, Timber Communities Australia Victorian state manager Kirsten Gentle has defended the logging company’s right to lodge an appeal with VCAT.
“Moran Logging has prepared a detailed and thorough application and done everything it can to ensure the proposal is environmentally sustainable,” she said.
“The company has done more than most to consult with neighbours and objectors and it is wrong that they should have to waste time and money waiting for approvals.”
Ms Gentle said community groups should not be alarmed by the logging company’s appeal to VCAT.
“What we need for people to try and do is take the emotion out of the situation and look at the scientific facts of the reafforestation that Mr Moran is proposing to do,” she said.
“It is ludicrous that Mr Moran has to appease the community at every move when what he is proposing to do is legally allowed on his property.”
Shire of Yarra Ranges director of planning, building and health James Larmour-Reid said he was not concerned by Moran Logging referring its application to VCAT.
“It is not really of any great significance that the applicant has applied for a VCAT hearing before council has voted on the application,” he said.
“Clearly our preference would be for applicants to wait for the council to make its decision, but in terms of democratic processes I’m confident that all parties will have a chance to have their say at the VCAT tribunal.”
Mr Larmour-Reid said the council’s position on the application would be taken to VCAT, at a date yet to be specified, in accordance with the outcome of a vote by councillors at the meeting on Tuesday, 24 January.
The Mail contacted Gary Moran of Moran Logging on Monday. He declined to make any comment at this stage on the application referral to VCAT.