Water Resources

In 2002, a number of proposals relating to forests and forestry in Australia were put to the Victorian and Tasmanian Synod assembly. It soon became apparent adequate debating of the issues could not be concluded in the time available so the proposals were withdrawn.

Given that the level of debate in the media generally transforms what are often complex issues into shallow coverage with a tendency towards extreme views of anti versus pro-logging (particularly where direct conflict make for sensationalist television coverage), it was thought many UC members who do not have connections with forestry may benefit from further background information.

Melbourne is fortunate to have been founded with foresight for water resources. By 1890, two of the city’s catchments had been protected, followed by an additional two soon afterwards (O’Shaughnessy & Jayasuriya 1989). In recent decades, the increased demand for access to forest timber resources has resulted in extensive logging of water supply catchments.

Australia’s longest running studies on the effect of catchment logging and bushfire on water supply have been carried out in the mountain ash forests of Victoria’s Central Highlands. This research program has illustrated the significant negative consequences of logging in water supply catchments.

Today, as Melbourne approaches the limits of its available water supply, there is an increasing need for community awareness and debate over the management of our water supply catchments.

An intensive look into the hydrological and carbon impacts of logging in the Upper Goulburn Catchment.

A logging assessment by Hannah Nichols on behalf of Tammy Lobato

A snap shot assessment of the states continued logging in Melbourne's largest drinking water catchment - Thomson Dam.

The findings of Professor Russell Mein from Victorias wood and water study.