Lilydale Protection Group

The Lilydale Protection Group was formed at a public meeting on 8th April 2008 to oppose an application received by the Launceston City Council for the subdivision of a property close to the centre of Lilydale. The purpose of the subdivision is to enable the establishment of a blue gum (E. Nitens) plantation by Forest Enterprises Australia Ltd (FEA).

The effects of establishing a plantation so close to the Lilydale community would be inevitable and considerable. The property in question is 62.4 hectares in size and comprises all the pasture between the road and the bush on the north-eastern slopes of Brown Mountain (and some of the bush). Most of the pasture at the foot of Brown Mountain that is visible from the Lilydale township will be converted to plantation. The land is upstream of the village and very steep so that plantation establishment will expose the township to the constant threat of soil and chemicals washing into Rocky Creek, which runs along the lowest boundary of the planned plantation. Rocky Creek then runs the full length of the village, joins Second River, through Karoola and Bangor to the Piper servicing hundreds of dwellings and farms along the way. Two organic farms neighbour the property and the school is only 1km away - downhill from aerial spraying of toxic chemicals.

Traffic to and from any plantation established on this property would access the property directly from the Lilydale main road in an area of reduced visiblility owing to blind corners and a hump in the road. In the event of the plantation being established the inevitable log truck traffic pulling out into this restrictive road environment would create a major hazard to other road users. There would also be considerable nuisance caused to residents whose houses are situated on the main road adjacent to the property and its access.

Currently land around Lilydale is zoned 'rural' which means that property owners are not permitted to subdivide into titles of less than 40ha. Nor are they permitted to build dwellings on titles of less than 40Ha. This zoning does not reflect the land usage of Lilydale environs which is rural residential with many land owners living on small blocks and commuting to Launceston for employment and it has consequently made it extremely difficult for property owners attempting to sell large blocks, or small blocks without a dwelling, to dispose of their properties. This has resulted in easy pickings for forestry companies wanting to establish plantations.

Please express your support by contacting the local radio and newspapers, writing to the council before they make their decision on Monday 12th May, becoming a member of the group( forms at Lilydale Post Office), buying a raffle ticket and most importantly, coming to the RALLY ON SAT 10TH MAY, 11am in the village Green. We need numbers at this rally to show a united opposition to industrial forestry in our beautiful Lilydale valley.

Other information and support can be directed to: Jonathan - letter writing / media issues - 63951249
Kathy - raffle tickets - 63951148 / 0419146977
Kathryn - rally organiser - 63952069 / 0428952065