smh.com.au
Koala Park Logging Dispute
Controversy surrounds the proposed Great Koala National Park in NSW, with concerns over logging intensity, environmental regulations, and the economic impact of the native forestry industry.
English
Australia
Human Rights ViolationsClimate ChangeControversyEnvironmentConservationNational ParkLogging
Nsw Forestry CorporationWilderness AustraliaNational Parks Association NswAustralian Forest Products AssociationAustralian Climate And Biodiversity Foundation
Sue HigginsonAtticus FlemingJames JoosteVirginia YoungGeoff Cousins
- What are some of the legal and environmental issues surrounding the NSW Forestry Corporation?
- Concerns exist regarding the NSW Forestry Corporation's logging practices, including alleged illegal activities, repeated breaches of environmental regulations, and a history of unlawful operations, leading to fines and court cases.
- What are the main concerns regarding the logging practices within the proposed Great Koala National Park?
- The Great Koala National Park proposal faces opposition due to the high intensity of logging within its assessment area, despite the government's commitment to creating the park and claims of reduced logging volume over time.
- How could the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme impact the logging industry and the proposed national park?
- The Australian government's proposal to include forest preservation in the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme could incentivize states to stop logging, offering a potentially profitable alternative for NSW taxpayers, while also funding forest maintenance and benefiting local communities.
- What are the opposing viewpoints on selective logging in the region and its impact on the environment and koala habitats?
- Proponents of the park argue that selective logging is not environmentally friendly, citing damage to koala habitats and increased weed growth due to forest fragmentation; while the industry asserts that its logging is sustainable and contributes to the economy.
- What are the different perspectives on the economic viability and environmental impact of the native forestry industry in NSW?
- While the NSW government maintains that the native forestry industry isn't subsidized by taxpayers but rather contributes to land management, critics argue that the industry is heavily subsidized, produces low-grade timber, and is environmentally damaging, facing potential extinction.