Local residents have launched a petition calling on VicForests to stop logging a coupe next to the township of Noojee, to the east of Melbourne.

They claim that a population of the threatened greater glider will be impacted by the logging.

The greater glider has been listed as threatened, however the Victorian government has yet to devise an “action statement” for its protection, as required by law. In the meantime, VicForests believes it can log where the greater glider is known to live, as it did recently in the Toolangi State Forest.

During the autumn of 2018, VicForests plans to clear-fell 30 hectares of 79 year old mountain ash forest right next to the town of Noojee. Recent surveys by wildlife experts in that forest reveal multiple sightings of the threatened marsupial, along with numerous species of other native wildlife. Given the creature’s territorial behaviour, they will not relocate; and they will die if the logging proceeds, as will other wildlife.

There are also concerns that the logging will damage the livelihoods of those who rely on the beauty surrounding Noojee to attract tourists. Noojee is a small village entirely surrounded by forest and is a popular destination for day touring from Melbourne.

This petition will go to Ms Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for the Environment. You can also voice your concerns directly to her at lily.d’ambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au.

You can sign the petition here.

IMAGE: Justin Cally. https://twitter.com/Jcal1