Ecology experts in Riverina red gum forests have found three threatened species (including a koala) that Forests NSW failed to find. The finds come as the NSW Government considers privatising five key state assets including Forests NSW.
In this context, the National Parks Association (NPA) have begun court action challenging logging in the red gum forests. The NPA reveal that no Environmental Impact Statements have been prepared to assess industrial logging in regional red gum forests.
“What we have here is a situation where publicly owned forests are being logged with the manager – Forests NSW – unaware that threatened species are present,” said Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“At least while these lands remain in public hands, there is some accountability and the chance that forests will be valued for the ecological services they provide rather than simply as a source of firewood, fence posts and railway sleepers.
“If these same forests were owned privately, does the Premier seriously think that corporations would rate species preservation ahead of their own profits?
“I’m not surprised that an NGO is having to do the government’s work as despite passing reasonable threatened species legislation, Morris Iemma has failed to adequately resource field work and enforcement.
“A threatened species unit at Coffs Harbour was recently de-funded. This is an example of the withdrawal of resources from conservation.
“If the government cannot deliver for threatened species, they should be looking at empowering local councils, and then ensuring they have adequate resources to do the job,” concluded Mr Cohen.
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
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