Timber plan sets ‘worrying path’ for public native forests

The Crisafulli Government’s 25-year plan for the Queensland timber industry presents a worrying vision to continue overcutting and degrading biodiversity and carbon values of the state’s unique native forests outside the southeast corner. 

Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said:

“Plantation grown timber is a sustainable resource and we support the Plan’s intent to support that sector’s growth in Queensland. Plantation expansion will require State investment and time-bound commitments, including for new native species plantations. 

“However locking in a 25-year promise to continue logging native forests is a tragically misguided decision that is out of step with other states. Victoria and Western Australia have ceased native forest logging completely in the last few years. 

“Logging is killing endangered animals: chainsaws don’t even need to stop when a greater glider is spotted. 

“Recently QCC volunteers found more than 10 endangered greater gliders in forests earmarked for logging near Maryborough and notified the Department of Primary Industries - but they don’t care. Logging continues. 

“Who in their right mind is going to want timber that has cost the lives of iconic wildlife? A major overhaul of the Code of Practice for Timber Production and its implementation framework is needed to safeguard threatened wildlife like gliders.

“If Queensland native forestry is to continue it must be more transparent and well-organised, and respect the basic tenets of ecologically sustainable forest management, including the role of protected forest areas in addressing the extinction crisis. 

“Now is the time for a comprehensive review of the values of state-owned forests to be kicked off, including water, biodiversity, carbon and First Nations cultural values. 

“Given the urgency of the twin climate and biodiversity crises, this ought to be initiated as a matter of priority and would be an essential step in securing the social licence Queensland's timber sector will need to continue exploiting natural forests into the future.

“We welcome the clarification that logging will not recommence in the South East Queensland planning region, and look forward to more information about the Government’s intentions for these forests — including whether they will be transitioned into national or conservation parks."

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