Byron Bay and Mullumbimby locals Emma Briggs and Bassi Brown locked onto machinery at Ewingar State Forest, in the Upper Clarence area, yesterday as they called for an end to native forest logging.
They attached themselves to the machinery in the early hours of the morning to prevent native forest destruction in Ewingar State Forest on Bundjalung country.
Ewingar State Forest is located in the Upper Clarence area and the logged compartments are important fauna habitat sites close to the Clarence River, many with rainforest remnants, steep slopes and erodible soils. It acts as a biodiverse nature corridor to Washpool National Park.
March For Forests
Yesterday was the International Day of Forests, and communities around the country supported the Bob Brown Foundation’s call to end native forest logging once and for all. Victoria and WA ended native forest logging on 1 January 2024. Concerned citizens in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Canberra are marching and protesting throughout this week, as both major parties plan to expand logging activities.
Lismore protest Sunday
This action highlights the call to end native forest logging in NSW in the lead up to Sunday’s March for Forests in Lismore on Sunday 24 March at 10am on Victoria Street, Lismore.
‘We have made international commitments to protect our forests for the sake of life on Earth, both now and into the future. Logging in state forests is not compatible with these commitments,’ said Ms Briggs.
‘Not only does destroying native forests threaten our struggling wildlife, it smashes any hope of survival in a safe climate future. Every tree is a vital carbon sink, and it breaks my heart to see the devastation and waste left behind by the operations of Forestry New South Wales.’
Ms Briggs, 54, works part-time in the tourism sector and is convenor of the Byron Environment Centre (BEC). Recently she has also been involved in helping establish a new climate justice alliance in the local area.
‘I’m just here for the forests,’ explained Bassi.
Casino action
Forest protectors are also assembling in Braemar State Forest south of Casino, to expose the widespread damage being done to koala habitat, water catchments and carbon sinks by logging in our public native forests. Spokesperson Scott Sledge said.
Forest protectors are also assembling in Braemar State Forest south of Casino, to expose the widespread damage being done to koala habitat, water catchments and carbon sinks by logging in our public native forests.
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