NORTH EAST FORESTS PARKS SABOTAGED
PREMIER UNDERMINED BY STATE FORESTS
The National Parks Association today claimed that the State Forests was deliberately sabotaging the prospect that the Carr Government would considerably improve the national parks outcome from last November's controversial north east forests decision.
"State Forests is engaged in sabotaging the parks, the Government and the Premier both on the ground and behind the scenes by trying to damage and regain control for logging of more than 250,000 hectares of old growth, wilderness and other key conservation forest areas," said Noel Plumb, NPA's Executive Officer.
"The Premier in March told NPA that clumps of high conservation value forest bigger than 500 ha ( totalling over 250,000 ha) which directly adjoin national parks could be considered for addition to the north east forest parks. The alternative is leave these areas in the "Informal Reserves" under the control of State Forests which has already started to log them even though they are supposedly 'off limits '."
"We know that State Forests is now attempting to withdraw nearly half of the 'Informal Reserves' and to log over 60% of the large clumps of forest which the Premier has under consideration for addition to the parks."
"But its even worse than that, the planned attack by State Forests on the large old growth and wilderness clumps will involve smash and grab logging raids right against the boundaries of the existing national parks, including wilderness areas, rainforest and huge old growth areas protected only in November. The clearing, the heavy machinery, the roading and the post logging burning will have devastating impacts on the adjoining national park areas - we know from bitter experience."
"State Forest is deliberately undermining the Premier and pre-empting his decision whether to add these areas to the national parks instead of leaving them to the incompetence and environmental vandalism of State Forests."
"Forest protesters have already fought four blockades in less than two weeks to stop the logging of the 'Informal Reserves', including a new action today in the Watagans between Sydney and Newcastle. They will be incensed when they release the further agenda of State Forests - it looks like being a long fight."
For further comment : Noel Plumb 02 9233 4660 or 0412 975 575
8 July 1999