UPDATE: A vital 6.5-hectare fragment of ancient forest on the NSW Mid North Coast is poised for protection, safeguarding it for future generations of Australians. Described as “magical,” this untouched wilderness has never been harvested, making it a rare ecological treasure. Conservationists have been on high alert, as a state-owned company planned to log the surrounding area this year, risking the habitat of endangered species like koalas and yellow-bellied gliders.
The urgency surrounding this forest stems from alarming government analyses indicating that NSW could lose 50 percent of its threatened species within the next century, with wild koalas potentially wiped out in just 25 years. Dailan Pugh, a spokesperson for the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA), labeled this forest as one of the region’s “last remaining coastal stands of intact forest,” urging swift action to protect it.
Dr. Stuart Blanch, a conservation scientist at World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF), emphasized the irreplaceable nature of this ecosystem. “These hollows that provide shelter for gliders would have taken 200 years or more to form. They’re like gold. Stands of giant trees are far too priceless to be logged,” he stated.
The good news: The 6.5 hectares in question is under consideration for the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP), a project initiated by the Labor government before its 2023 election. This ambitious plan aims to connect fragmented national parks by protecting state-owned land currently targeted for logging. Approximately 176,000 hectares of state forest are being evaluated for inclusion in this critical initiative.
However, concerns persist as timber continues to be harvested in the area, angering conservationists who demand a moratorium until the GKNP’s borders are finalized. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and Premier Chris Minns have not provided a timeline for the park’s establishment. A representative from Sharpe’s office confirmed that the GKNP “will be delivered,” but no specifics were given.
Experts are frustrated by the complex forestry regulations that hinder effective protection of high-value forests. The 6.5-hectare old-growth forest was initially not scheduled for protection until 2025, despite its proximity to the protected Bowraville Nature Reserve. The lack of clarity in the state’s logging plans complicates efforts to safeguard this vital habitat.
Pugh expressed his frustration, stating, “The situation is opaque, and it’s often not clear to us what Forestry is doing.” The confusion is exacerbated by outdated public maps, which are not set to be updated until late 2025.
Environmental advocates call for an end to the mapping confusion and a clear commitment from the government. The intricacies of state forestry laws have evolved over decades, resulting in regulations that are challenging for even seasoned experts to navigate. The 6.5-hectare area is currently labeled as a “non-harvest area,” but this designation will change, which could leave parts unprotected.
With the future of not only the ancient forest but also the endangered species it shelters hanging in the balance, the pressure is on the NSW government to act decisively. “Only around 10 people can probably understand the details about the different map versions,” stated Blanch, urging Premier Minns to expedite the creation of the GKNP.
As the situation develops, conservationists remain hopeful that swift action can preserve this irreplaceable habitat for generations to come. The protection of this forest is not just about trees; it’s about ensuring a future for Australia’s unique wildlife.
