In a disappointing turn of events, plans to continue logging in Kiwarrak State Forest on the Mid-North Coast, NSW, are forging ahead despite overwhelming support for the establishment of a flora reserve. This decision comes even after a motion in the NSW Parliament garnered unanimous support, acknowledging the ecological significance of the area and endorsing the community’s proposal for a reserve.
Following discussions with local residents, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has shockingly declared its opposition to establishing a flora reserve, insisting that logging operations should persist while the proposal is under review.
Betrayal in Kiwarrak
Sue Higginson, Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment, expressed deep disappointment, stating, “The community that loves Kiwarrak and the Koalas that call it home have been betrayed by Premier Minns and the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty”
“All parties supported a motion in Parliament that noted how incredibly important this area is for threatened species, particularly koalas, and it gave the community hope, but then the Minister for Agriculture has refused to create the proposed flora reserve” Higginson continued.
Despite receiving funding for bushfire and habitat restoration efforts aimed at preserving local koala habitats, the NSW Government’s decision to proceed with logging threatens to undo this crucial work, potentially devastating the natural value of the area.
“It is unfathomable that the NSW Labor Government has refused to establish a new flora reserve that even the Nationals Party supported. This should have been an easy win for the community and the environment,” Higginson lamented.
Addressing the resilient spirit of the community, Higginson emphasized, “I met with the community last night and it’s clear they are determined and resolved, they are not giving up. It’s not too late for NSW Labor to step up to this community call and protect our koalas. Is the Premier really going to make another community have to join the frontlines and put their lives on hold and their bodies on the line”
Furthermore, Higginson criticized the logging industry’s destructive practices, asserting, “We will not accept any more excuses from the failed native forest logging sector. Their loss-making destruction of critical forests is not worth the small cost of buying out remaining wood supply agreements in NSW.”
She concluded by urging Premier Minns to take decisive action to protect native forests in NSW, demanding an end to native forest logging. “It is time for Premier Minns to take responsibility for the protection of native forests in NSW, and insist that native forest logging in NSW come to an end. We cannot afford this Government caving to internal power squabbles between Ministers while native forests continue to fall and koalas are driven closer to extinction,” she declared passionately.
The fate of Kiwarrak hangs in the balance, as environmentalists and concerned citizens rally to defend their beloved forest and its iconic inhabitants from the imminent threat of extinction.
Hansard of debate on Kiwarrak, Part 1 & Part 2
Forestry Corporation’s webpage on Kiwarrak State Forest
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