NSW Forestry Corp sidesteps habitat safeguards by labeling tree removal as road maintenance
The Forestry Corporation of NSW cut roughly 1,000 trees in Glenbog State Forest, branding the activity as road maintenance to evade stricter protections for threatened species.
In Glenbog State Forest, the Forestry Corporation of NSW felled an estimated 1,000 trees, many about a century old, and shipped roughly 21 truckloads to a mill, labeling the activity as road maintenance. Critics argue the classification bypasses the stricter forestry statutes that protect threatened species, especially the critically endangered greater glider whose dens lie within 50 metres of the cleared area. Environmental campaigner Andrew Wong and lawyer Justine Emerson say the practice exploits a legal loophole that could open up 50,000 km of forest roads to unregulated logging.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has begun an assessment but declined further comment. Industry voices, including James Jooste of the Australian Forestry Products Association, contend the timber recovery is a legitimate, sustainable use of forest resources. Advocates warn that if the loophole remains, it could dramatically increase logging under the guise of road work.
Why it matters
It reveals how reclassifying logging as road work can bypass safeguards for endangered wildlife.
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