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mt macedon

The Mt Macedon snow gum vigil

In April 2026, many of us were shocked to find out that Parks Victoria intended to clear almost 1 hectare of rare snow gum dominated forest on Mt Macedon in order to restore a view from near the Memorial Cross towards Melbourne.

Locals and environmentalists quickly mobilised to defend the forest and despite a spirited campaign and several days of occupying the site, contractors moved in on April 17 and devastated the slopes immediately south of the summit. On the Sunday, a planned community rally went ahead and turned into something of a vigil to reflect on the destruction that had just happened. There was grief, sadness, anger and determination. What really struck me was the depth of feeling that so many people expressed for the mountain. Many of us see the mountain as a personal refuge. This destruction of a rare forest has impacted many on a deep level. I heard so many stories of people’s personal connection to the mountain last week.

Local resident Lydia Best spoke at the vigil about her connection to the mountain.

Continue reading “The Mt Macedon snow gum vigil” →

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Defending the mountain

I live on Dja Dja Wurrung country in central Victoria. When I need a bit of mountain time, I head to Mt Macedon for some cooler air and deep green forests. The two small pockets of snow gum that exist on the highest points of the range always draw me, and it is a treat to wander through vigorous regrowth forests of snow gum intermixed with alpine ash.

I just spent the better part of a week trying to stop Parks Victoria from destroying almost a hectare of snow gum forest on the Macedon summit in order to restore a historic view towards Melbourne.

Despite a spirited campaign led by local people, contractors devastated the slopes immediately south of the summit last Friday (April 17). On the Sunday, a planned community rally went ahead and turned into something of a vigil to reflect on the destruction that had just happened. There was grief, sadness, anger and determination. What really struck me was the depth of feeling that so many people expressed for the mountain. Many of us see the mountain as a personal refuge. This destruction of a rare forest has impacted many on a deep level. I heard so many stories of people’s personal connection to the mountain last week.

If you are one of those people I would welcome your story for inclusion here. Send it through: cam.walker@foe.org.au

Continue reading “Defending the mountain” →

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A final attempt to save snow gums on Mt Macedon

For the past 2 days, community members from Melbourne and the area around Mt Macedon have occupied an area on the mountain where up to 0.8 hectares of snow gum woodland is scheduled to be cleared in order to reopen a view to Melbourne.

The snow gum woodlands on the Mt Macedon Range are isolated and unique, and part of only about 20 hectares of this vegetation type left in central and western Victoria.

However it seems that logging will start tomorrow (April 17).

Continue reading “A final attempt to save snow gums on Mt Macedon” →

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Protect Macedon’s rare Snow Gums from chainsaws

As you know snow gum communities across the high country face an existential threat from the combined impacts of dieback and more frequent and intense fire seasons. Sadly the isolated pockets of snow gums away from the higher mountains also face significant threats, like in the Mt Cole ranges where the Bayindeen fire damaged sections of remnant snow gum forest.

There is currently an immediate threat to the wonderful snow gum forests on Mt Macedon and I am asking you to take a few moments to contact MPs and urge them to stop imminent tree felling operations.

Urgent update April 13, 2026

We have just heard that destruction of trees on Mt Macedon has started! While snow gums have not yet been cut, access tracks have been created to allow destruction of trees, which could start on April 14.

Please express your concern about this by taking action: Simply tell them how concerned you are by this destruction and urge them to intervene to stop the clearfelling.

Take action here: sign this letter to the ministers.

Or you can email them with your own message:

  • contact the Minister for Planning, Sonia Kilkenny: sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au
  • contact the local MP: Maryanne Thomas. E: mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au
  • contact the State Environment Minister: Steve.Dimopoulos@parliament.vic.gov.au
  • Spread the word: Share stories and images of Macedon’s Snow Gums on social media using #SaveMacedonSnowGums.
  • If you are in the area please visit the summit and get images of what is happening. Please email to: cam.walker@foe.org.au

UPDATE APRIL 14.

Check here for an update on actions today.

RALLY – SUNDAY APRIL 19

Local community members invite you to join them at 10am this Sunday April 19, Mt Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve, for a peaceful rally.

Above: trees marked for felling, April 13.

Continue reading “Protect Macedon’s rare Snow Gums from chainsaws” →

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