New NSW Logging Rules Still Permit Forests Designated As Koala Habitat To Be Razed

[hatrack]

Conservationists fear new rules that regulate logging on private land in New South Wales will allow continued clearing of koala habitat in what an independent MP has described as a “win” for the National party. The Perrottet government this week released a long-awaited new code for private native forestry (PNF) that sets out rules for private landowners who undertake logging operations on their properties.

The code formed part of negotiations within the Coalition following the near split of the government over koala protections in 2020. The new rules increase the area of the state mapped as core and highly suitable koala habitat – which triggers certain protections and land management requirements – and this has been generally welcomed by conservationists, the NSW opposition and some crossbench MPs.

But there is concern that parts of the new provisions will lead to increased logging intensity and that the code still allows logging of core koala habitat in some circumstances.

Under the rules, logging is prohibited in areas mapped as core koala habitat but an exception is made for logging of habitat covered by private forestry plans that had already been approved. The North East Forest Alliance said this exemption applied to hundreds of plans.

EDIT

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/may/05/new-nsw-logging-rules-still-allow-clearing-of-koala-habitat-conservationists-say