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Activists have defied what they say is are "draconian" Victorian laws, taking to different bush areas statewide to survey for protected species on the same day the legislation came into effect.
- The Sustainable Forests Timber Amendment Act gives authorised officers additional powers to issue banning notices in restricted worksites
- The Victorian government says it will protect forestry workers from protests that put their safety at risk
- Protesters risk fines of more than $20,000, or up to one year in jail, under the laws
The environmental activists gathered at five sites as the Sustainable Forests Timber Amendment Act came into effect on Saturday.
The act gives authorised officers additional powers to issue banning notices in restricted worksites where forestry activities are being undertaken.
Protesters risk fines of more than $20,000, or up to one year in jail, if they enter these zones and interfere with workers or their machinery.
The Victorian government passed the act in 2022 citing protection of logging workers, but it has drawn criticism from unions, environmental activists and legal voices across the country.
Nearly 200 environmental activists made a stand at the Wombat, Toolangi and Alberton West state forests, as well as Powelltown and Colquhoun forests.
All were areas that had been logged in the past or were identified for logging in future — but only the Wombat State Forest is listed as a Timber Harvest Safety Zone meaning activists there could face potential legal action.
No-one was arrested or charged under the new laws on Saturday.
The activists and citizen scientists conducted surveys of flora and fauna, and reported finding endangered greater gliders, koalas, old growth plants, and a critically endangered leadbeater possum.
Amy Calton from the Wombat Action Group said amid the global climate crisis it was vital to ensure the right to peaceful protest remained.
"We went out to make a stand ... we went to say 'We will still continue to show up'," Ms Calton said.
"These are laws that were passed to protect corporate interests."
In 2019, the state government committed to end native timber harvesting by 2030.
Ms Calton said by then, it would be too late.
"The idea that we can continue this industry for another seven years, and still come out with an environmentally-positive result is a complete untruth," she said.
Victorian Greens deputy leader Ellen Sandell said the right to protest should be ingrained in our society.
"There are already laws in place to protect people just going about their work ... these are laws that are designed to continue the logging industry in Victoria," Ms Sandell said.
"This is criminalising peaceful protest, which as we know, is really the backbone of democracy."
Similar laws have previously been passed in Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales.
"The right to protest against something you believe is fair, is a fundamental human right," Ms Sandell said.
"And yet, the Labor government has followed governments all around Australia in introducing these really draconian, anti-protest laws."
The ABC contacted Victorian Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt for comment.
A spokesperson said the government was "committed to a managed transition" away from native timber harvesting.
"Victoria's current focus is on supporting local supply and impacted native timber workers and industry," they said.
A VicForests spokesperson told the ABC that it respected everyone's right to peaceful protest.
"Timber Harvesting Safety Zones are hazardous worksites and we ask that people do not enter these zones for their own safety and the safety of VicForests staff and contractors," the spokesperson said.
"We take people's safety very seriously and any preventative action to ensure the safety of VicForests staff, contractors and the general public is crucial."