MORE than 60 people from the NSW Mid North Coast protested simultaneously with actions in Canberra, Sydney, Batemans Bay and Hobart on 8 October, to send a message that there was no social licence for the clear-felling of forests, damage to wildlife corridors and endangerment of wildlife.
The timing of the gatherings, which in Coffs Harbour took place outside the offices of NSW Forestry Corporation, coincided with the beginning of a Forestry Australia three-day Canberra symposium aimed at creating strategies for improved awareness and social licence for forestry operations.
The theme of the symposium was ‘The forestry story: Strategies for improved awareness, social licence and effective engagement’.
“As forestry professionals, we bring considerable knowledge, experience and a genuine commitment to manage, study and care for forests,” said Forestry Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Martin.
“But, community trust isn’t something we can simply expect because of our expertise.
“It takes time, and it’s something we need to continue to earn through our actions, our relationships and the ways we engage with others.
“Our members work across research, conservation, fire management, biodiversity, carbon, environmental services, timber production and many other areas.
“That breadth of experience is one of the real strengths of Forestry Australia.”
A spokesperson for local conservation group, Forest Ecology Alliance (FEA) said, “Seventy per cent of people in NSW now believe that logging our native forests and forest habitat should be stopped.
“The people now say clearly to the industry, and to government, that there is no social licence for this industry to clear-fell forests, wreck wildlife corridors and endanger animals.”
Ashley Love, considered by many to be the ‘father’ of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), expressed his dismay with logging continuing across the footprint of the Park.
“Pine Creek state forest, much of which has recently been logged, is prime koala habitat,” Mr Love said.
“Compartments in this forest form critical koala corridors, enabling koala sub-populations to freely move for breeding.
“Since the disastrous 2019-20 fires, this iconic species is now endangered, and genetic strength is crucial for their survival in the wild.
“Clear-felling their habitat is not a way to protect the species.”
Chris Degan, a local forest activist, said that from 2020 until May 2026, Courts and the EPA had imposed fines and investigative costs of approximately $3million.
“As well as court-imposed fines, the taxpayer funds the ongoing losses of this government business which runs into millions annually,” she said.
“Forestry is a minor employer which should be transitioned to productive, rather than destructive, work.”
De Markovina, of Forest Ecology Alliance, said the community rightfully questioned why native forests and important habitat forests were being logged for low-value products.
“On both public and private land, remnant forest and vital wildlife habitat are cleared to bare soil,” she said.
“Locals watch as mature trees are trucked through town to be milled for tomato stakes and pallets.
“Recycled plastic is a better option for both.
“Trees are also transported two hours north to be burned for sugar refining and for so-called renewable energy.
“It all makes no sense in a rapidly heating world where forests are essential in drawing down atmospheric carbon.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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