THE AXE is about to fall on Compartment 16 of Pine Creek State Forest, with the start of a harvest imminent, much to the chagrin of local environmental groups who argue the timber plantation is crucial to the sustaining a healthy koala population.

However, their campaign to cease the felling process has fallen on deaf ears and in a last ditch effort the Bellingen Environment Centre (BEC) has written to the director of Forestry Corporation and a number of NSW Government ministers to alter the imminent clear felling operation at compartment 16 Mailman’s Track, to that of selective logging.

A spokesperson for the BEC said that, “under condition 5.2 of the harvest plan this kind of habitat can be protected and logged selectively however the way the condition is to be applied renders it meaningless. When considering the financial return it is estimated that 75 per cent of the timber is low quality so these koalas of are of greater value from both a tourist dollar and a biodiversity perspective.”

Forestry Corporation of NSW’s regional manager, Craig Busby, has consistently denied the harvest will adversely affect the koalas. Moreover, he insists all possible steps have been taken to minimise environmental damage.

“Compartment 16 of Pine Creek State Forest is a plantation that was established on previously cleared land in the late 1960s for timber production and sits between Bongil Bongil National Park and cleared farmland to the south,” Mr Busby said.

“This plantation is situated within a broad forested area and is managed for conservation, recreation and timber production.

“Within this plantation, we know that over time a variety of native trees have naturally germinated, so we have taken steps to identify and safeguard habitat within the plantation for native wildlife.

“Our experienced and qualified staff have identified areas to retain so that timber production is balanced with conservation and our activities complement the vast area of National Park to the north.”

Mr Busby also highlighted that “the timber harvested from this forest will be an important boost for local industry, supplying local timber processors with hardwood for conversion into essential timber products ranging from power poles to timber pallets for transporting goods, creating a steady source of local work and revenue”.

“The forest products industry continues to support more than 4000 jobs in Northern NSW and more than 100 in Bellingen alone.”

Forestry Corporation has detailed some altered road conditions during the eight-week harvest.

Mailmans Track, which connects the Pacific Highway with Valery Rd, will be closed between 5am and 6pm weekdays but will be open during the evening and on weekends to minimise the disruption to residents.

Arrangements have been made with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure residents and visitors can use Hunters Rd as a detour for Valery Rd to the Pacific Highway. However Hunters Rd is suitable only for vehicles less than eight tonnes.

Mr Busby said the area would be a worksite throughout the operation and asked the community to observe all notices about access restrictions.

“For your own safety please pay attention to all signs and staff and don’t enter restricted areas,” Mr Busby said.

For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au.