This morning, 11 June 2024, more than 20 individuals, predominantly university and high school students, halted the logging of Orara East State Forest for three hours, marking the second interruption in a week. Four police cars, carrying seven officers, were dispatched to the scene.
The NSW Forestry Corporation’s operation at Orara East State Forest, near Coffs Harbour, has been reported to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) by members of the community after it was discovered that only 27% of trees retained for koalas were correctly identified.
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The action intensifies pressure on the Forestry Corporation and the Labor Party to cease the destruction of habitats crucial for koalas and numerous other species on Gumbaynggirr land.
This youth-led protest stood firm against corporate greed, advocating for the preservation of their future. Their message was clear: “Power to the people. End habitat logging.”
The Friends of Orara East State Forest facebook group has further details.
Forestry Corp NSW only correctly identifies 23% of koala habitat trees
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “It is disgraceful, although not surprising, that the Forestry Corporation has misidentified nearly three quarters of the trees that are required to be protected for koalas – especially in a forest that Premier Minns has promised will become a National Park.”
“This forest is critical koala habitat and the mis-identification of koala trees means that there will be far fewer trees available for this threatened species.”
“The inaccurate work by the Forestry Corporation means that the logging in the forest is in breach of the law and will functionally reduce the number of koalas remaining in the Great Koala National Park.”
“It is only thanks to the quick and diligent work of the community that this pre-logging survey has been revealed as unlawful and catastrophic for the koalas. The EPA needs to step up immediately.”
“The planned logging should not be allowed to go on. If this forest is logged over the coming days, then koalas will be killed and the area will see a massive reduction in koala habitat,” Ms Higginson said.
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