Choppy waters

By Melissa Meehan
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has passed a motion to put pressure on the State Government to end logging in water catchment areas.
The motion, which calls of an end to the logging, comes amid concerns that scientific evidence shows a link between logging and water loss.
Sarah Rees, spokeswoman for pressure group the Central Highlands Alliance, said that she was pleased that the council had made a stance on the very topical issue.
“The Shire of Yarra Ranges, and now the Bayside Council, in their unanimous support of a moratorium on all logging in watersheds, is sending a direct message to the Brumby Government that water is more important than woodchips,” Ms Rees said.
“The science is in on catchment logging, and has been for nearly 150 years when the Victorian Government first banned catchment logging in the 1870s, logging robs us of water quality and quantity and the councils are sensibly representing their constituents on this issue.”
Forestry consultant and media spokesperson for the Institute of Foresters Australia Mark Poynter said that it was an “odd” move for local council’s to take a stance on a state government issue.
“They seem to be playing out of their league. The motion cannot change anything without state government backing,” Mr Poynter said.
Mr Poynter said that although he understood the council’s fear of the direct link between logging and water loss, he said that the scientific evidence presented may not have taken all factors into account.
“There may be a lack of proportion to the studies. Only 12.8 per cent of Melbourne’s water supply catchments are available and suitable for logging, and that’s over 70 to 80 years,” Mr Poynter said.
“Those figures show that the overall area logged annually is quite small.”
Mr Poynter also stated that because of the tight regulations already enforced on logging in Victoria, there was a wide age range of regrowth in logging areas.
“It has been reported by some groups that young forests use more water than the older sections but in reality it is impossible to stop regrowth altogether. Natural deforestation occurs from fire, which will continue to occur,” Mr Poynter.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is currently undertaking a Wood and Water Project which consists of a number of studies and assessments to inform decision making about future management options for Melbourne catchments.
Spokeswoman for the DSE Felicity Grey said that the studies will include hydrological studies, timber substitution studies, a water quality review and sustainability assessment which will draw upon the research findings.
The project commenced in 2004 and is due for completion in September 2008.
“The Yarra tributaries contribute to approximately six per cent of Melbourne’s water supply and are made up of four small catchments, these being Armstrong Creek, McMahons Creek, Starvation Creek and Cement Creek,” Ms Grey said.
She said that despite reductions in per capita use, Melbourne’s water supply was decreasing because of population growth and climate change.
“DSE is currently working with the community, other government departments, water authorities, catchment management authorities and local government to deliver the 110 initiatives outlined in the Our Water Our Future reform agenda,” Ms Grey said.