The state government has introduced a new measure to better protect koalas during harvest operations in blue gum plantations.
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It will now be mandatory for management companies in the Green Triangle region to apply for authorisation under the Wildlife Act 1975 for operations which may impact koalas.
The Green Triangle region stretches from far south-west Victoria and to areas close to Ballarat in the Corangamite Shire.
Companies will also need to develop a koala management plan which meets minimum requirements set by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
The new requirements will ensure certain practices to protect koalas are implemented by plantation management companies, including the use of koala spotters during operations and the retention of a number of trees around any tree containing a koala.
The mandatory requirements developed by DELWP are based on industry guidelines and recommendations from an expert panel, which included leaders in plantation forestry, koala biology and behaviour, and animal welfare.
Michael Pollock
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
