Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Parks spokesperson
It is with great worry that we observe the wildfire burning in the Maxwell River valley near Olegas Bluff in remote Southwest Tasmania.
With strong winds and a tinder dry western landscape, the globally unique Olegas Truchanas Huon Pine Reserve is under threat, with flames fuelled by strong winds just a few kilometres from this ancient forest.
Protected in 1970 after a concerted campaign by legendary Tasmanian wilderness photographer and environmentalist, Olegas Truchanas, the reserve contains the largest stand of Huon Pine in Tasmania, and therefore the globe.
These rare trees’ numbers have already been badly impacted by wild fires in 2013 and 2019.
No fire has entered this reserve in potentially thousands of years and all efforts and resources should be dispatched to ensure this spectacular, enchanting and important forest is protected.