Call for Kenneally to save koalas from logging
Greens MP and south east NSW spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier Kristina Kenneally to step in to save a koala population underthreat from logging in the Mumbulla State Forest.“The NSW Premier should hang her head in shame if she allows the last known koala habitat on the far south coast to be destroyed on her watch,” Ms Rhiannon said.
“Forests NSW has indicated that logging in Mumbulla State Forest will start early in March 2010.
“Right now the NSW government is prioritising the interests of the logging industry over the ongoing survival of this much loved native animal.
“The Greens are supporting local environmentalists who are calling on NSW Premier Kristina Kenneally to intervene to stop the logging in Mumbulla State Forest. The koala population on the NSW south east coast is at a critical level.
“The NSW Labor government should be doing all it can to safeguard remaining koala habitat, not moving full-steam ahead with logging. Surveys sponsored by the NSW Environment Department last year established that koalas have held on and may even be breeding in Mumbulla forest. The population may recover to viable levels should their habitat be left undisturbed from logging and fire.
“It is understood that Forests NSW will burn the compartments after logging, which will kill off any remaining koala population.
“Koalas have a range up to 50km, so leaving small ‘cells’ for koala habitats is not effective to safeguard populations. The Mumbulla State Forest needs to be left intact. “This State Forest is also home to Long-Nosed Potoroos, which are also considered to be an endangered species.
“Ms Kenneally should do the right thing by the koalas. Logging their habitat should not happen,” Ms Rhiannon said.
