Frequently Asked Questions
The Rainforest Refuge is situated on Crown land that is owned by DEECA and licensed to HVP for forestry. We have discussed with HVP the idea of retaining the area for conservation and look forward to discussing this further.
Areas within the Crown land that are not being used for plantation are protected native vegetation. However, they are being damaged and are under threat due to inadequate buffer zones and forestry practices that negatively impact the conservation values of these areas.
Unfortunately, HVP do not follow the Action Statements under the FFG Act that are designed by our government scientists to protect our threatened species like Slender Tree-ferns. HVP plan to harvest the Eucalyptus species and replant with pines which is detrimental to biodiversity. We propose that the best conservation advice and management actions be applied to protect all threatened species, regardless of tenure.
We are currently talking with all stakeholders toward a community response to looking after this important reserve. We are working with Council, DEECA, Trust for Nature, neighbouring landholders and community groups to create best practice management and legal protection for our threatened species across land tenures.
The Rainforest Refuge would be an important community resource and add to the Turtons Creek Scenic Reserve and the popular Turtons Creek Falls. Currently, HVP restrict access to our Crown land. Community access and connection is important if we are to protect these areas for future generations.
We are a small not-for-profit group that incorporated in early 2024 to protect critically endangered Slender Tree-ferns and rainforest on our local Crown land.
Group members consist of neighbouring landholders and local families who know the importance of this area for conservation and have seen first-hand the impacts of industrial forestry on our rainforests and threatened species.
We work with the community to promote positive conservation initiatives, to share information and support the regulators responsible for protection of our endangered species.