Julie Samson, Spring Hill
Thank you Shane for your letter raising the topic of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s draft proposal to make the Wombat State Forest a National or Regional Park (‘Pre-determined outcome?’, Opinions, October 2).
There hasn’t been enough community information, discussion and feedback sought about this proposal.
I live very close to the Wombat State Forest and I enjoy the current access I have; I like to horse-ride through it and not just on my vehicle tracks; I like to bush-walk in it and I am often accompanied by my dog.
I occasionally come across people prospecting or fishing. In a National Park these activities would be banned.
Because of my property’s proximity to the WSF, I’m very aware of the danger of bushfires. I think it’s great that areas of the forest are opened up for people to collect firewood as this reduces the fuel load on the ground, thins the spindly regrowth and provides much-needed heating for people’s homes.
I don’t want to see industrial logging returned to the forest. I just want to retain the current access I have. I haven’t been able to attend any of the information sessions, if there have been any, to explain the draft proposals, so I would welcome more discussion about this proposal.
I think it’s vital we ask the candidates in the state elections what their party’s view is about the draft proposals. Also VEAC has invited submissions … so people should write or email them and give their view.
Editor’s note: VEAC has extended the submission deadline for its Central West Investigation Draft Proposals Paper from October 31 to Monday December 10 this year, giving members of the public more time to provide a written submission.
