Elsie Lange
The Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corporation, or DJAARA, is calling for those worried about log salvaging in Wombat State Forest to “let us lead”.
Following last year’s significant June storm event which caused extensive damage across the Macedon Ranges, DJAARA partnered with VicForests to remove storm-felled trees and debris.
VicForests’ presence in the forest, earmarked as a new national park, has caused concern among locals and activists, including Wombat Forestcare, who believe the debris removal is “complete overkill”.
But DJAARA said their work with VicForests was “making the Forest safe”.
“We are doing this through the consideration of the Forest, its needs and the results we are seeking for biodiversity so that all species can thrive,” DJAARA said.
“The removal of identified fallen timber will start the process, just as removal of weeds from your own garden would enable you to start the process of providing a healthy foundation for new plants and to support established plants.”
DJARRA chairperson Trent Nelson said Dja Dja Wurrung’s extensive knowledge of Country needed to be respected.
“Contemporary science is three or so centuries old, our biocultural knowledge is over 400 centuries old. Let us lead,” he siad.
DJAARA general manager Cassandra Lewis said what occurred in Wombat State Forest was a rare event which drastically altered the health of Country.
“As Dja Dja Wurrung people, it is our responsibility to return Country to health,” Ms Lewis said.
“As Traditional Owners, it is our right to enact the principles of self-determination in undertaking our Cultural responsibilities.
“As members of the wide and diverse community, it is our role to lead in sharing our inherited understanding of forest management.”
DJAARA said it approached management of Country through a contemporary lens, “across tenures, public land categories, Ecological Vegetation Classes, townships and jurisdictions”.
“DJAARA’s approach to managing these cultural landscapes holistically is to apply Forest Gardening,” DJAARA said.
“Forest Gardening is our dialogue with Country. Its practice is defined by cultural outcomes and indicators including the colours, smells, sounds touch and feeling of Country and availability of sustenance in the landscape.”
DJAARA said in a modern world, their cultural practice of caring for Country was supported through partnerships – with people with experience and expertise, coupled with respect for their responsibility to look after Country.
“The provision of this, on such a scale, was limited and DJAARA was pleased to appoint VicForests to undertake making Country safe,” DJAARA said.
