Greens MLC Ian Cohen today called on the Premier to rule out a sell off of Forests NSW.
“Mr Iemma needs to reign in his new Treasurer, Michael Costa, who is quoted today as saying the government is considering selling Forests NSW,” Mr Cohen said.
“2.8million hectares of native forest and plantations are managed by Forests NSW on behalf of the people of NSW. These are the public’s forests not Michael Costa’s.
“Previously there was talk of selling off our softwood plantations but today’s report suggests all of Forests NSW may be up for grabs. This is an alarming move from the novice Treasurer and one that must be ruled out immediately.
“Selling off these prized assets for a quick buck makes no long term economic or environmental sense.
“Forests NSW responsibilities are more than just timber supply and include ‘protecting the biodiversity of State forests and providing community amenities’ (www.forest.nsw.gov.au). Important water catchments are also at stake.
“Once these forest are sold guarantees that they will be sustainably managed will be near impossible.
“Our forests can also help the state meet its greenhouse obligations by acting as ‘carbon sinks’. If they are sold off they could more easily be cleared or burnt to produce electricity, adding to NSW greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Cohen said.
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