Greens MP Ian Cohen today welcomed a negotiated outcome with the NSW Government over contentious logging operations in the River Red Gum forests along the Murray River.
“I am pleased that the government has agreed to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments of logging operations in the Riverina Red Gum forests,” said Ian Cohen.
“The environment movement has been calling for this for a long time.
“While court action by the NPA has been pending, it’s pleasing to see progress towards conservation and sustainable forestry practices.
“We appreciate the desperate conditions affecting communities along the Murray due to the drought. A system of adequate reserves and sustainable forestry practices are the key to securing a viable future for local forestry and for these internationally significant ecosystems.
“Under the agreement finalised today, logging will cease in the compartments which were to be subject to the court case.
“This positive outcome owes its success to the willingness of all parties including the National Parks Association, government representatives, traditional owners and the Greens to work together to get results.
“Ecology experts recently found 3 threatened species, including a koala, in compartments that were scheduled for logging.
“I am confident that a thorough environmental assessment will vindicate the movement’s efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of the area.
“It is high time that these forests are valued for their biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage, not for the low economic value products they yield, such as railway sleepers and fence posts. They should be preserved for future generations,” concluded Mr Cohen.
Further Information: Ian Cohen - 0409 989 466
To arrange an interview: Nic Clyde – 0417 742 754
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