10/06/2026
We can’t believe we have to remind some people of this: the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change is REQUIRED to proactively undertake sufficient works in State forests, national parks and protected public land a) for the immediate prevention and suppression of fire and b) for the planned prevention of fire under s62(2) of the Forests Act 1958.
A loophole is where there is a GAP in the law being exploited. It’s not a loophole if you are doing what you are required to do by law.
This nonsense about “loophole logging” is dangerous disinformation being spread to put pressure on major parties in the lead-up to the Victorian election.
There have been many Royal Commissions, coronials and other inquiries over the last 80yrs into deaths and damage due to bushfires. Not a single recommendation has ever suggested there was a need for LESS active forest management to reduce the risk and severity of forest fire.
On the contrary - most said there should be MORE (we’ve included a handy chart below).
Yes, works need to be conducted scientifically and responsibility. And we’ve seen sometimes seen a burn that looks like it might have been a bit too hot.
But the math is easy - 5ha burnt to save 50,000, 500,000 or 1 million ha.
To the people who live in or near Victorian forests - which are considered in the top 3 fire prone areas of the World - we see you, and we know that this activist nonsense is causing you even more stress as you are worried politicians might listen.
We love forests - and care about people - all people. We know how important proactive fuel management and firefighter access is to the protection of forests, the animals that live in them and, of course, human lives. We will fight against this ridiculous and dangerous narrative.
And to the people who throw themselves in front of mega fire over and over again - we respect you. We know you need every tool at your disposal to try to stay ahead of the beast.