The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has changed the rules that Forestry Corp must obey before and during logging just days after local community scientists sent hundreds of alleged breaches to the EPA. Changes relate to the site-specific biodiversity conditions (SSBCs) to clarify protections for the endangered Greater Gliders.
The updated SSBCs now require FCNSW to implement a 25-meter logging exclusion zone around any tree where a Greater Glider is sighted during their search and survey operations. This is in addition to the existing exclusion zone that protects trees identified as Greater Glider dens.
The changes come after community reports were sent to the EPA last month, demonstrating that the Forestry Corporation was logging Greater Glider hotspots without complying with the rules. Dens are essential for Greater Gliders as they provide shelter, daytime resting places, and nurseries for their young.
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The amendments have clarified the requirements for nocturnal searches and surveys. These activities must now be conducted at night, with the first transect starting within 30 minutes of sunset to increase the chances of observing gliders as they leave their dens.
These changes were prompted by community reports last month that FCNSW was logging in Greater Glider hotspots without adhering to the new regulations. Critics argue that the EPA has failed in its regulatory duties.
“The EPA has walked away from their regulatory responsibilities over native forest logging and announced that they will change the rules to suit logging, rather than protecting threatened species,” stated Ms Sue Higginson, Greens MP.
Reports from April and May indicated that FCNSW breached pre-logging conditions meant to protect Greater Gliders hundreds of times. These breaches, according to the reports, should have resulted in an immediate shutdown of non-compliant logging activities.
“The back-down comes after the community reported to the EPA in April and May that the Forestry Corporation had breached the Greater Glider pre-logging conditions hundreds of times since it was introduced. These reports should have seen non-compliant logging shut down immediately,” said Ms Higginson.
Adding to the controversy, the Minister for the Environment informed Parliament on May 15 that she lacked the authority to direct the EPA, a claim met with skepticism.
“Shockingly, the Minister for the Environment told Parliament on 15 May that she does not have the power to direct the EPA. This is simply not the case. It is clearly written in the law that she does have the power to issue directions to the EPA when it is in the public interest to do so,” Ms Higginson explained.
Given the imminent threat to the Greater Gliders, a species teetering on the brink of extinction, there are calls for the Minister to intervene. “Considering the clear threat that logging poses to Greater Gliders, a species that is on the edge of extinction, the Minister should direct the EPA to do whatever is necessary to prevent their continued decline”.
Criticism extends to the current government as well. “Australian animals facing extinction in our public native forests will be killed, and their habitat destroyed. This can only be described as political failure by the Minns Labor Government and the EPA,” said Ms Higginson.
The EPA acknowledges the community’s concern for the conservation of threatened species and forests. The agency remains committed to its statutory obligation to protect the environment and independently regulate all licensed industries, including native forest operations.
“The time for weak action against environment vandals is over. If the Minns Labor Government will not keep their election promises to reverse the destruction of native forests, they will be held to account by the public,” said Ms. Higginson.
The ongoing debate highlights the tension between conservation efforts and logging interests, with the future of the Greater Gliders hanging in the balance.
The EPA will continue to monitor FCNSW activities to ensure compliance with the updated rules and will regularly review these conditions to ensure they are effective.
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