Call for Kenneally to save koalas from logging

“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.

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