conservation of old-growth forests in south-eastern australia (goolengook)
GECO is an independent grassroots environment organisation based in East Gippsland and dedicated to protecting the remaining old growth forests of the region.
The Goolengook forest is in the heart of East Gippsland, in the state of Victoria, Australia,
East Gippsland's forests form a unique biodiverse ecosystem which has evolved since Australia separated from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana some 65 million years ago.
Over 300 rare and threatened plant and animal species are found within the region's one million hectares of forest. These old growth wet forests are the preferred habitat for animals such as the Spot-tailed Quoll, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl and the Long Footed Potoroo.
The region contains the largest contiguous areas of old growth and undisturbed forest in Victoria and is of national and international significance. In 1987, the Victorian Government first officially proposed East Gippsland for World Heritage Listing. At the time, the proposal was not supported by the Commonwealth Government, but several studies since have confirmed the region has World Heritage values.
The old growth Forests of Goolengook were one of the first areas subject to logging following the signing of the East Gippsland Regional Forest Agreement (RFA). This was met with a high profile and long running forest rescue protest. The East Gippsland RFA has been publicly denounced by all environment groups who were involved in the process. The East Gippsland RFA has only succeeded in escalating forest conflict in the region.
On Tuesday 5 March 2002, in a pre-dawn raid, the long standing Goolengook blockade camp was busted. GECO, other conservationists and local people continue to campaign on several fronts.
With only 5% of Australia's original old growth forests remaining, the time to protect Goolengook is now.
GECO is an independent grassroots environment organisation based in East Gippsland and dedicated to protecting the remaining old growth forests of the region.
The Goolengook forest is in the heart of East Gippsland, in the state of Victoria, Australia,
East Gippsland's forests form a unique biodiverse ecosystem which has evolved since Australia separated from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana some 65 million years ago.
Over 300 rare and threatened plant and animal species are found within the region's one million hectares of forest. These old growth wet forests are the preferred habitat for animals such as the Spot-tailed Quoll, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl and the Long Footed Potoroo.
The region contains the largest contiguous areas of old growth and undisturbed forest in Victoria and is of national and international significance. In 1987, the Victorian Government first officially proposed East Gippsland for World Heritage Listing. At the time, the proposal was not supported by the Commonwealth Government, but several studies since have confirmed the region has World Heritage values.
The old growth Forests of Goolengook were one of the first areas subject to logging following the signing of the East Gippsland Regional Forest Agreement (RFA). This was met with a high profile and long running forest rescue protest. The East Gippsland RFA has been publicly denounced by all environment groups who were involved in the process. The East Gippsland RFA has only succeeded in escalating forest conflict in the region.
On Tuesday 5 March 2002, in a pre-dawn raid, the long standing Goolengook blockade camp was busted. GECO, other conservationists and local people continue to campaign on several fronts.
With only 5% of Australia's original old growth forests remaining, the time to protect Goolengook is now.
