Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)has indicated that a new tree plantation in the Gellibrand River catchment is likely to improve the quality of water resources
A decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has given the go-ahead for a tree plantation to be established in the Gellibrand area in country Victoria, citing the environmental benefits tree plantations offer rural Australia. Tree Plantations Australia CEO, Allan Hansard, welcomed the VCAT decision and said it was yet another example where governments and communities are recognising the benefits growing tree plantations can bring to rural and regional Australia.
“VCAT has acknowledged both the benefits for water and soil quality associated with tree plantation establishment and has demonstrated that it is satisfied with the precautions taken by tree plantation managers when using small amounts of chemicals,” said Mr Hansard.
“In fact, plantation forestry only is a minor contributor to Australian chemical pesticide use, accounting for just 0.7% of the nation’s total chemical pesticide use.
“VCAT recognised that the plantation company Midway will undertake measures to prevent erosion and the associated transport of soil to any watercourses adjoining land.
“VCAT also recognised that in comparison to grazing, over the life of the timber plantation, the quality of water harvested from the land will be improved.
“On a broader environmental scale, the tree plantation will add to the 20 million tonnes of carbon sequestered from the atmosphere, contributing strongly to Australia’s Kyoto target.
“The employment benefits tree plantations bring to rural areas are well documented, and now the environmental benefits of tree plantations are being appreciated, reinforcing the overall gains the growing industry holds for Australia,” said Mr Hansard.
“I hope this decision will be used as an example for other parts of regional Australia where tree plantations can also provide social, environmental and economic benefits,” said Mr Hansard.
‘Chemical use of chemical pesticides by the Australian plantation forestry industry’ Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation