Call for Government Intervention on Snow Gums
On 15th April, community members gathered at Mt Macedon to stop the ongoing destruction of snow gum forests. They urged the Victorian government to intervene immediately. This protest coincided with the appointment of a new state environment minister.n
The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Committee proposed clearing snow gums to restore historic views of Melbourne from the summit. Their plan involves removing nearly 0.8 hectares of the Montane Grassy Woodland, a nationally significant ecosystem, which has sparked widespread protest.n
Anna Langford, a campaigner from Friends of the Earth Melbourne, stated, “The works will clear almost 0.8 hectares of a nationally significant and highly threatened ecosystem – Montane Grassy Woodland – simply for aesthetics.”n
Controversy Over Planning Decisionsn
In 2023, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council rejected the proposal due to strong community opposition. Despite this decision, Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the project using a state-level planning pathway.n
Track clearing began earlier this week, allowing tree felling to proceed. This development provoked further backlash. Cam Walker, campaigns coordinator for Friends of the Earth, expressed deep concern over the loss of forest for city views.n
Walker said, “We are devastated to see this precious remnant of snow gum forest being destroyed for a view,” highlighting the existing viewpoints available from the top of Mt Macedon.n
Mount Macedon’s snow gum woodlands are part of the Montane Grassy Woodland Ecological Vegetation Class, with only 21 hectares remaining in central and western Victoria. This ecosystem provides a critical biodiversity refuge for various species.n
Climate pressures are already threatening these woodlands, making it crucial to preserve every remaining stand. The complex web of species in the Montane Grassy Woodland cannot be recreated elsewhere, and suggestions to plant Snow Gums in former pine plantations show a lack of ecological understanding.n
Normal native vegetation laws do not apply here, as the project uses the opaque Crown Land Procedure. Past tree removals for view enhancements in 2014 highlight ongoing tensions between development and conservation.n
Friends of the Earth continue to call for immediate government intervention to protect this vital ecosystem. They emphasise the importance of conserving these woodlands in the face of escalating climate change impacts.
