The State Government is currently reviewing its strategy implementation plans for plantation establishment in Victoria. As a contribution to this review, campaign groups from the Victorian forest movement have developed the Interim Victorian Plantation Management Position Statement (April 2001).

This position statement aims to set a standard of sound management for plantations which is worlds-best-practice. We believe this can be achieved by strengthening planning controls, improving plantation management systems, instituting government and private forestry environmental reporting and ensuring that the global trading system does not compromise environmental and domestic employment objectives.

The position statement is currently being promoted through councils, catchment management authorities, water boards, unions, and farming, indigenous, community and environment organisations. We welcome the participation of all individuals and groups interested in developing a joint position on plantation management for Victoria.

The closing date for comment or endorsement of the interim position statement is Friday 3rd August, 2001.

Please send your comments to:

Serena O'Meley
Convenor, VPMRG
PO Box 4230
Melbourne University Vic 3052
Australia

Phone: 0419 565 337
E-mail: sophia@pipeline.com.au

Serena O'Meley (Convenor VPMRG) - West Victorian Forest Protection Network, Earthworker, Geelong Community Forum
Peter O'Mara - West Victorian Forest Protection Network, Wombat Forest Society
Adrian Whitehead - Geelong-based forest activist
Gavin McFadzean - The Wilderness Society
Liz Ingham - Concerned Residents of East Gippsland
Loris Duclos - Tambo Environment Awareness Group, Wombat Forest Society
Lindsay Hesketh - Australian Conservation Foundation
Darren Gladman - Environment Victoria
Tim Anderson - Wombat Forest Society
John Poppins - Paperlinx Green Shareholders Group
Anthony Amis - Friends of the Earth (Victoria)
Michelle van Gerrevink – Goongerah Environment Centre