Wednesday, 14 August 2024

Powerful owl

Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (19:04): (1059) My question is for the Minister for Environment in the other place, Minister Dimopoulos. In particular what I am keen to understand on behalf of the locals in my electorate of Ringwood is what work, if any, has been done in terms of assessments, surveys, investigations and audits in respect to the endangered powerful owl. The powerful owl first came to my attention because a local constituent wrote to me and was quite concerned, and in fact they believed they had come across an area which is an important habitat for this endangered bird species. I had the great privilege just last night after Parliament had finished to join, with a couple of torches, two individuals, Jordan and Blake. They both work for the Victorian National Parks Association. In my spare time what I am doing is looking for powerful owls. What I actually learned along the way was quite remarkable.

Within seconds Blake, who had unbelievable eyesight – much better than mine, no surprise there – was able to spot, like being back on a safari in the middle of the Serengeti, possums and birds like you would not believe. It was an absolute delight. At one point we went along a creek bed; I will not reveal the location because I am told in this particular area it is not advisable to do so. The last thing we want is a team or horde of individuals locally – much as we love them all – going looking for powerful owls. Nonetheless I digress. We went down this creek bed and there was a tree. It did not look like the most beautiful tree, I must say, but it was pointed out, I think by Jordan at that point, that that tree was not only a significant habitat for butterflies but also at certain times of the year for moths as well. I thought that if children knew that tree was so important, notwithstanding its lack of beauty – I may have been in that category myself at some time during my life – they would know how important that tree was, notwithstanding my own importance to at least myself. But I digress way too much.

The point here is the powerful owl, and what I am seeking from the minister in addition is an assurance that some or any works have been done in respect to the whole corridor that is affected by the North East Link Program. As we know, the North East Link Program extends all the way from Bundoora to Bulleen and down to my electorate of Ringwood up to Springvale Road, where they intend to use some of the parklands. Very soon our constituents will see that tree after tree – forest after forest, in other words – will be demolished. I am extremely concerned that not only the habitat of the powerful owl might be adversely affected but for this endangered species. This beautiful species is a species which actually eats possums. So for those of you that do not like possums, the powerful owl is your best friend – no possums. I am feeling for those who love possums. Nonetheless I love the powerful owl, and I would love those assurances from the minister. I invite him also to visit one night or evening with me and take a look at the powerful owl.