Frequently declared one of NSW’s most beautiful tourist destinations and world renowned for its environmental beauty, it was a starkly different Gleniffer that the Greens party used for their 2015 forestry policy launch backdrop.
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Standing in the middle of the recently clear-felled Tuckers Nob State Forest, Greens MP David Shoebridge, along with political colleague and candidate for Oxley Carol Vernon, told those gathered that for the sake of the environment, economy and society it was time logging in the State’s two million hectares of native forest was stopped.
“Our native forest estate is a priceless asset that needs to be managed for everyone, so that our environment is protected, taxpayers benefit and more people can have more access to these beautiful places,” Mr Shoebridge said.
“With the end of logging we can save taxpayers millions, greatly improve environmental protection and provide far more access for recreational and sensitive eco-tourism access to some of the State’s most beautiful natural places.”
Hoping their ‘Protecting our Forests for the Future’ policy will be a winner at this month’s State Election, the Greens’ package comprises six key points: an end to all logging and mining in State Native Forests by 2016; high conservation State Native Forest to be immediately transferred to the National Park estate; balance of State Native Forest to be managed by Department of Environment; an $80 million four year transition package for timber workers and communities impacted by the end of native forestry operations; plantation forestry profits invested in increased planting for both soft wood and hard wood timber; and a $40 million four year forestry-related tourism and recreation grant scheme to promote access to, and investment in, the remaining State Forest estate.
The Greens plan will only affect the logging of state native forests, not privately owned native forest plantations and state plantations.
The Greens acknowledge they have set “an ambitious target”, however, Ms Vernon is adamant that local taxpayers, timber industry workers and the tourist industry will be better off in the long run.
“Our state plantations are a viable money earner for NSW but the management and logging of our state native forests is a burden on taxpayers. Local ratepayers also bear a huge burden in maintaining roads and bridges for heavy forest vehicles, with no rates paid by the State Government to offset that expenditure,” Ms Vernon said.
“Here is an exciting opportunity for the forests of the Mid North Coast to deliver industries and business ventures that will provide a return to our shires.
“Ecotourism and recreational activities consistent with environmental values such as controlled mountain bike riding and horse riding on trails could generate real jobs to our rural communities. Our flourishing diverse and unique biodiversity, from koalas to rare plants and insects, will become a greater magnet for visitors.”