CAM members and other local climate activists are heading to the Federal Court in Melbourne on Monday 1st September to support Warburton Environment (WE) in the final hearing of their court case against DEECA (Department of Energy Environment and Climate).

What’s at issue

DEECA’s Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) program has been cutting down thousands of old hollow-bearing trees — many pre-colonial survivors of fire and logging — as part of its “hazardous tree” removal operations. These hollows are essential nesting and shelter sites for federally listed endangered species. It was after a greater glider was found dead last year that WE decided to take legal action.

The allegation

WE argues this destruction breaches the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act), specifically sections 18(2) and 18(3), because it:

• has, or is likely to have, a significant impact on the critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum and the endangered Southern Greater Glider
• destroys critical habitat,
• threatening the survival of nationally listed species.

The legal position

There are no valid exemptions under the EPBC Act that allow DEECA to continue this tree removal. Unless DEECA halts immediately, it is allegedly committing an ongoing federal offence.

The consequence

WE is seeking a ruling that DEECA’s operations are unlawful, to force an immediate stop to hollow-bearing and recruitment tree removals in the forests of the Central Highlands in Victoria.

The bigger picture

The case highlights how state “fuel management” practices are undermining federal protections for threatened species and pushing Victoria’s iconic forest wildlife closer to extinction.
A strong community presence in the gallery on the first day will be an effective display of support – so come and join us on Monday, 1 September 2025, at 9:30 am (to allow time for security screening before the session starts).

Place: Outside Le Will Café, 305 William Street (directly above Flagstaff Station).

The case is expected to run for 7 days, but the priority is showing strength on Day One. If you can’t attend on the first day, you’re welcome to come another day.
Court sits 10:15 am – 1:00 pm and 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm daily.

Parts of this post has been reproduced from Warburton Environment with permission. Photos by Maggie Cowling