In November 2023, residents of Turtons Creek were shocked to discover the extensive clearing of high conservation value roadside vegetation, including mature Messmate and Blackwood trees, along Dollar-Woorarra West Road. Approximately an acre of native vegetation, bordering cool temperate rainforest, was removed from the South Gippsland Council road reserve, allegedly without the required permits.
The Gippsland Forest Guardians, a local conservation group, contacted the Council to inquire whether a permit had been issued for the clearing. According to the Council, no permit had been granted, and they said they would investigate. However, one year later, no action has been taken, prompting criticism from residents and conservationists.
“This council road reserve is classified by council as high conservation value and given the highest priority for protection by South Gippsland Council,” said Stuart Inchley, a spokesperson for the Gippsland Forest Guardians. “It borders rainforest containing critically endangered species, including the Slender Tree-Fern, listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act and is home to many other endangered species. The clearing is clearly seen on google earth (below) and is a huge scar in the middle of protected vegetation. We want to know why the Council has failed to act and no one has been held accountable.”
The Turton’s Creek area has drawn significant attention due to its ecological importance, having recently gained recognition for the discovery of Australia’s largest population of the critically endangered Slender Tree-fern.
The clearing of the council land was carried out at the same time as logging operations started in Fellas Coupe timber harvest area.
The Council has faced mounting criticism for its lack of enforcement. South Gippsland Conservation Society President Ed Thexton said:
"We believe the Council should use the full extent of their powers to protect native vegetation. There are well established guidelines about native vegetation removal with the primary goal being avoidance. Those responsible for this obvious flouting of the regulations need to be taken to task. Inaction is unacceptable and the community deserves answers and a swift and targeted response. Many people get fined for doing a lot less than what we witness here.
We have lost so much of our remnant forests in South Gippsland we need action against these vandals so that the message is sent to others that such destruction will not be tolerated.”
South Gippsland Councillor Sarah Gilligan said:
“While I wholeheartedly share your concerns about the destruction of native vegetation, I can’t comment on the specifics of this particular matter as it’s a process that is still underway.”
The Gippsland Forest Guardians are urging residents to contact local councillors and demand action. “This is a test of the Council’s commitment to protecting the environment” said Mr. Inchley.