Private loggers to self-regulate?

Thursday, 27 July 2006 10:00

“The long-awaited code clearly fails to protect the timber resource and important environmental areas for the long term,” said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

“It will disappoint all those people who were hoping for a significant advance from today’s chaotic and controversial industry.  It won’t bring stability for the timber industry that needs to plan for the future and avoid future environmental conflict, said the state’s key environment groups.”

“The Code aims to protect endangered species, rainforest, old growth and habitat trees but expects landholders to identify and protect these values themselves.  And at the end of the logging period (which could be as short as one year) the protection areas can be cleared for other purposes – it’s a farce,” said Mr Angel.

Andrew Cox, NPA Executive Officer said, “Much of the existing private logging will have generous phase-in provisions meaning that none of the environmental rules will apply at all for another two years.  Most threatened forest species and ecosystems in NSW still don’t have enough habitat protected to save them from extinction, so why is the Government waiting to act?  In addition Forest Management Plans that could set sustainable extraction rates won’t be required for up to 5 years.”

Cate Faehrmann, Director of Nature Conservation Council of NSW said, “The Code allows for progressive clearfelling with no site inspections. Loggers regulate themselves, hidden from public scrutiny. This undermines the Government’s promise to end landclearing and gives us little confidence that the system will not be abused.”

“The proposed rules are nowhere near as stringent as those in State Forests. There is no reason why rivers and creeks on private land should have weaker protection.”

“We predict a rush to liquidate the best timber and environmental areas as the Government twiddles its thumbs with a Code that has many escape hatches for irresponsible loggers,” said Ms Faehrmann.