A planned trial of cable logging in native forests on the North Coast will not go ahead if Labor wins this months NSW state election. Source: ABC News
The state opposition announced it would ban cable logging across the state if it takes Government.
The proposal received significant opposition from conservationists.
It involves rigging a cable above the forested area, and removing trees from above – allowing logging in steep terrain.
Steep, native state forests around Nambucca, Urunga and Bellingen have been earmarked for the trial, and the practice is used overseas.
Labor’s North Coast spokesman, Walt Secord said it has no place in modern forestry operations.
“The practice was stopped because it destroyed the land, and caused massive erosion, and the Liberals and Nationals have secretly returned it,” he said.
“It’s ecologically dangerous, bad for the environment, causes erosion and also causes runoff.
“It scars the mountain, and changes the hillside forever.”
Environmentalists have been calling for the trial to be scrapped since it was announced more than 12 months ago.
Lyn Orrego from the Nambucca Valley Conservation Association said it is a big step forward – and they are looking for the Coalition to match the promise.
“We think that it’s such an important issue that we would have bipartisan support, to abandon the crazy and destructive cable logging plan, and instead match Labor’s promise for a Great Koala National Park over these areas,” she said.
“We’d just much rather see these forests recognised for their value.
“The soils, the streams, the tourism, the carbon storage.”
The Nationals candidate for Oxley said the trial has not been given final approval, and will meet strict environmental restrictions if it goes ahead.
Melinda Pavey said details of the trial are yet to be decided on.
“Labor is only concerned about green votes, green preferences and shutting down a sustainable industry – that being the timber industry on the north coast,” she said.
“If a trial proceeds, it will be conducted under strict conditions and close monitoring.
“This includes meeting relevant threatened species legislation requirements, which in turn includes protecting old growth forests and rainforest areas.”
Ms Pavey said the proposal is worth considering.
“I can understand concerns within the community, but it will be judged and assessed as I’m advised by the Forestry Commission by the highest international standards,” she said.
“It will be done with consultation, with a view to not hiding any of this information, but being clear and open and transparent with the public.”
