The proceeding concerned forestry operations in 66 specified native forest coupes in the Central Highlands region of Victoria and the effect of those forestry operations on two endangered native species: the Greater Glider and the Leadbeater’s Possum. The Court found that VicForests had not been conducting its forestry operations in compliance with the Code of Conduct for Timber Harvesting such that its conduct was not exempt from the operation of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). The Court further found that VicForests’ forestry operations had had, and were likely to have, a significant impact on the Greater Glider and the Leadbeater’s Possum, which is an offence under the EPBC Act.
