09 January 2023 – NSW Forestry Corporation had their plans to destroy native forests at Bulga temporarily delayed by the selfless actions of forest defenders early this morning.
More than 50 people attended the blockade and two peaceful activists were arrested after Forestry Corporation called in the NSW Police to dismantle the blockade.
See also: Knitting Nanna blocks saw mill & stops logging trucks & Mother & daughter’s protest stops logging on Mid-North Coast, NSW
The Bulga State Forest was caught between two mega-fires during the 2019-2020 black summer and is a vital sanctuary for native plants and animals that are slowly recovering from this catastrophic disaster.
Community organiser Susie Russell was singled out for arrest at Bulga State Forest and given bail conditions prohibiting her from entering into any part of the Bulga Forest.
“It was clear I was singled out for arrest There were about 30 people on site supporting the young tripod-sitter. I was there, but diligently keeping outside the boundary of the closed area, which was tricky because the distance that was closed was not specified in the closure notice, so I erred on the side of caution.
“Police arrived on the scene just after 7am and spent half and hour walking around talking to different participants. They then went back to their vehicles for a huddle, presumably discussing how they were going to approach the situation. During that time the forest protectors were milling around and chatting in small groups.
“I left the area near my vehicle and walked the 30 odd meters to make sure the tripod-sitter was ok. When I got there, there was a child hugging an adult size koala. I took a couple of photos and then walked back around to my vehicle. The whole exercise took about 5 minutes.
“Almost immediately afterwards the police inspector approached me by name and said I was under arrest for entering a prohibited area. This while there were plenty of people making merry in the “prohibited” area and several colleagues in a similar situation to mine, freely moved backwards and forwards to chat.
“I have no doubt I was arrested in order to try and limit my involvement in the campaign. It has however, made my resolve stronger.
“I have watched the forests of my region being steadily degraded over three decades. In the 1990’s a spotlighting trip through these forests would reveal dozens of Greater Gliders. Now we are lucky to see one. There is nothing ecologically sustainable about this logging. It is smash and grab and runs at a loss. These forests will take centuries to recover.
“I feel I owe it to young people and to those lives without voice, to not stand by in silence while the destruction continues. I will continue to speak for the trees”
Susie Russell said.
Update 22 February 2023: Two protestors arrested, Aaron Crowe & Susie Russell, appeared in Taree Court today. They were given 9 month good behaviour bond and no conviction or fine was recorded.
“While it is a relief that none of us today had convictions recorded, it is frustrating that we were the ones on trial, when the real criminals are the NSW Government and the Forestry Corporation, who are closing the forests to public scrutiny and criminalising protest.”
“There is no doubt that most people want the logging to stop and the forests protected. We are definitely on the right side of history. Our concern is that so much damage will have been done before the politicians take that decision, that we will have a cascade of problems that could have been averted. Much like what is happening with climate change. Two decades of inaction means the impacts will be far worse.”
Susie Russell said after her court hearing on 22 February 2023
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment, Sue Higginson, said
“The NSW Government is ignoring science, industry and communities by pushing forward with plans to destroy native forests through unprofitable and dangerous logging,
“Native forests, especially those that are recovering from the Black Summer fires, are vital refuges for native species and act as massive carbon sinks in the struggle to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change,
“The native forest logging industry cost the NSW taxpayer $9 million last financial year and would collapse without massive public spending to prop up this failed industry,
“The action by the community here in Bulga has forced Forestry Corporation to temporarily switch their plans to destroy native forests here today. They will be logging a nearby plantation forest, but with no guarantee that they won’t switch back to the native forest at any time.
“It is a shame that two brave climate and forest defenders have been arrested despite engaging in civil and non-violent actions that are helping us by protecting native forests from this senseless destruction,
“I’m calling on the Government to announce their plan to transition out of the unprofitable logging of native forests and into a 100% sustainable plantation industry model that will benefit communities and the environment”
Greens MP, Sue Higginson said.
See our stories: Locals protest NSW Forestry logging in Bulga Forest & Koalas, Logging & Bushfires in State Forests: NSW Election 2023
Check out Save Bulga Forest on Biripi Country 2429 on Facebook, Save Bulga Forest Today, email bulgaforest@gmail.com for more info.
Directions are simple: Turn off the Pacific Highway at Taree, head to Wingham then follow the signs to Ellenborough Falls, it’s on Tourist Route 8 if you’re coming from the Pacific Highway.
