The first people to become aware of North Forest Products’ intention to conduct forestry activities in the Lucaston/Crabtree area (30 minutes south of Hobart) were residents within 100m of the proposed activities. The residents of Cloverside Road were sent a letter in December 1999 by North Forest Products (Norths) notifying their intention to clearfell 30ha and reforest 70ha to hardwood plantations. The proposed operations were expected to commence early February 2000.
The residents of Cloverside Road registered their concerns by writing to Norths, the Forest Practices Board and the Local Council. Their concerns included: Cloverside Road is in poor condition, narrow, winding and steep with little room for vehicles to pass; the effects of logging on stream quality; fire management; use of herbicides, insecticides and 1080 mammal poison. Their reply from the Forest Practices Board said that Norths employ Forest Practices Officers who have the powers and responsibilities under the Forest Practices Act to ensure that all operations comply with the Act.
The recent fires in Glen Huon caused Norths to change their timetable. They delayed the proposed operations in Lucaston to replant their plantations in Glen Huon. This allowed word of mouth information to filter to residents beyond 100m of the proposed activities. These residents began to investigate and found that there were many more areas in Lucaston which were listed as Private Timber Reserves or owned by Norths and under contract for clearing and plantations.
Over 80 local residents met in Lucaston on Sunday 6th August to discuss the impact of proposed forestry activities in their area. Many at the meeting said they had been attracted to the area because it was quiet and close to the natural environment. They were concerned that the forestry activities would not only spoil the visual beauty of the area, it would be a financial burden and a risk to their health and safety.
The financial impacts discussed included the devaluation of properties; rates contribution to the repair of roads and bridges damaged by log trucks; and loss of tourism potential. The Huon Valley Council Manager of Environment and Development Services, Mr Tony Ferrier, said that there is no upgrading of the road planned but if there is an increase in traffic then Norths may agree to help cover some of the cost of an upgrade.
Health and safety issues were raised with strong emotion. Parents were very worried about the contamination of their water supplies through the use of 1080 and aerial spraying. They were also concerned about their children facing log trucks on the road when they were out riding their bikes.
The responsibility of Council to protect the residents was called into question. Alderman Paul Thomas explained to the meeting that Private Timber Reserves were classified as a permitted use and did not have to comply with the Planning Scheme regulations. He went on to say that a recent meeting of Council had allowed the logging of a hilltop preservation area behind Huonville despite the visual impact.
Trisia Lehete, spoke of a compromise which was reached with Norths when she and fellow residents of another area in Huonville were faced with a similar situation. A goodwill agreement was signed by the residents and Norths outlining guidelines to forestry activities which addressed their specific concerns. Trisia said that it was a long hard struggle but that Norths had been complying with the agreement to date.
Norths declined the invitation to attend the Lucaston meeting however one landowner with a Private Timber Reserve, Mr Michael Griggs, did attend. Mr Griggs said that he could understand some of the concerns raised and was willing to work with the residents and Norths to reach an agreement on the future development.
