Lola Koala is sitting on a platform high up on a native tallow-wood tree inside an area to be logged in the Bulga Forest on the NSW mid-north coast. Lola says she’s not coming down until Forestry Corporation of NSW gives assurances that the trees in her area will not be logged.
“I’ve decided to climb and stay in this tree as long as I can, to protect this native forest from being cleared. This is an amazing forest. Old trees home to many animals, some are already threatened and endangered.
I am here so my grandkids can enjoy the same beauty and quality of life I have. I want them to see koalas, to see big trees, to experience rainforest.
We must defend what remains of our native forests. I am really concerned about climate change and to reduce the severity of a changing climate, we must protect our forests,” Forest campaigner, Lola, said.
Lola Koala’s Bulga Forest tree-sit daily diary
During the first week of protests in January 2023, logging moved to another area of the Bulga Forest which Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) said is a plantation. FCNSW did not give any assurances that the area near Lola’s tree will not be logged.
“It’s a small win but they could come back next week” Lola said.
Lola is a grandmother in her sixties and her family have lived in the Bulga area for generations. Lola is not her real name – she wants to avoid being arrested for as long as possible. Lola’s protest continues a long history of tree sitting …
You’re invited to come to the Protest Camp to save Bulga Forest which is shaping up as a major issue for the NSW elections in March.
You don’t have to volunteer as a tree-sitter – that is done by well trained volunteers. If you can’t come in person, please amplify our voice, share our posts, contact politicians, check out Save Bulga Forest on Biripi Country 2429 on Facebook, Save Bulga Forest Today, email bulgaforest@gmail.com for more information.
Tree sitting is a strategy that provides a high level of public attention since it is considered to be very dangerous and requires highly-skilled police officers to evict the sitters.
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