wheelinround
29th September 2007, 08:56 AM
Protection for river red gums
http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/protection-for-river-red-gums/2007/09/28/1190486569843.html
Wendy Frew Environment Reporter
September 29, 2007
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have secured a temporary halt to some river red gum logging after the NSW Government agreed to assess all timber harvesting operations in Riverina state forests and stop logging in 11 sensitive areas.
But they did not get an assurance the Government would match a proposal being considered by the Victorian Government to protect large areas of red gum forests in national parks.
For years, NSW has been logging the trees without assessing their conservation value. Much of the timber has been sold to Victoria to make railway sleepers.
In the face of court action from the National Parks Association, a non-government group, and a blockade in the Moira State Forest in the state's south, the Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, yesterday announced a stop to logging in some areas and the establishment of an environmental impact statement (EIS) process for harvesting in Riverina state forests. But Mr Macdonald said the timber industry had been assured of retaining its supply.
"Forests NSW will also avoid high-conservation value areas while still maintaining the quantity and quality of wood that the red gum industry requires," the minister said.
"This course of action, and the completion of an EIS, will give industry certainty into the future. In doing this, we avoid disruption to the dependent industry and rural communities, while preserving ecological values of the forest."
In return, the parks association said it would accept a settlement of court proceedings brought against Forests NSW earlier this month that sought to prove red gum logging required an impact statement.
The association's executive officer, Andrew Cox, said he was happy with the overall agreement because Forests NSW would avoid logging areas of high conservation value, log less intensively and protect larger trees while the impact statement was being prepared.
Blockaders would monitor Forests NSW's activities, said a spokeswoman, Dr Jacquie Kelly.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/protection-for-river-red-gums/2007/09/28/1190486569843.html
Wendy Frew Environment Reporter
September 29, 2007
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have secured a temporary halt to some river red gum logging after the NSW Government agreed to assess all timber harvesting operations in Riverina state forests and stop logging in 11 sensitive areas.
But they did not get an assurance the Government would match a proposal being considered by the Victorian Government to protect large areas of red gum forests in national parks.
For years, NSW has been logging the trees without assessing their conservation value. Much of the timber has been sold to Victoria to make railway sleepers.
In the face of court action from the National Parks Association, a non-government group, and a blockade in the Moira State Forest in the state's south, the Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, yesterday announced a stop to logging in some areas and the establishment of an environmental impact statement (EIS) process for harvesting in Riverina state forests. But Mr Macdonald said the timber industry had been assured of retaining its supply.
"Forests NSW will also avoid high-conservation value areas while still maintaining the quantity and quality of wood that the red gum industry requires," the minister said.
"This course of action, and the completion of an EIS, will give industry certainty into the future. In doing this, we avoid disruption to the dependent industry and rural communities, while preserving ecological values of the forest."
In return, the parks association said it would accept a settlement of court proceedings brought against Forests NSW earlier this month that sought to prove red gum logging required an impact statement.
The association's executive officer, Andrew Cox, said he was happy with the overall agreement because Forests NSW would avoid logging areas of high conservation value, log less intensively and protect larger trees while the impact statement was being prepared.
Blockaders would monitor Forests NSW's activities, said a spokeswoman, Dr Jacquie Kelly.