Forum to examine native forest logging and koala habitat

AN environmental forum on native forest logging and koala habitat protection will be held at Southern Cross University in Lismore this month.

Hosted by Richmond River Koala Parks, the event will bring together local experts to examine the biodiversity, water and climate impacts of ongoing logging in north-east New South Wales.

The forum forms part of the group’s Forest Frontline campaign, which is seeking permanent protection for about 56,000 hectares of state forest identified as important koala habitat.

The campaign has gained momentum following the release of new Commonwealth biodiversity maps highlighting north-east NSW forests as a national conservation priority.

The mapping was published as part of broader commitments to protect 30 per cent of Australia’s land by 2030.

A spokesperson for Richmond River Koala Parks said the findings reinforced long-held community concerns about forest protection.

“These maps confirm what our community has been saying for years, our forests matter too,” the spokesperson said.

“With north-east NSW identified as one of the most important places in Australia for biodiversity protection, this is a defining moment.

“The question now is whether governments will follow their own science and whether our local forests will be recognised as the priority they clearly are.”

The forum will be held at the Whitebrook Theatre on March 21.