Eurobodalla Shire Council meeting 28 August 2018
John Ramsay- Representing the Corunna Forest Protection Group
I would like to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this land and pay respect to elders past and present.
To the Mayor and councillors of Eurobodalla Shire, I appreciate that you reached agreement to send off the petition to stop logging of compartment 3058.
Today I implore you to consider the benefits of upgrading the exclusion zone FMZ3 (which is currently single tree selection medium] along both sides of the Princes Highway to Excluded Forest so as to preserve the visual amenity at the approach to the Central Tilba Heritage Landscape and the Historic Village of Central Tilba. This matter remains urgent as we have no indication from Forestry when logging is due to commence.
The loss of large trees which are within this zone will make it obvious to everyone who visits the Mystery Bay and Central Tilba area that as a community living in the Eurobodalla Shire we don’t value the forest or its inhabitants and that we are taking away another reason for them to visit the Nature Coast. The destruction of a uniquely situated forest that lies between the sea and the mountain and bounded on two sides by pristine Lakes is not economically, ecologically, or environmentally sensible.
I am dismayed that this council is not attempting in any way to protect Corunna Forest. This is who we are. This is where we live. The community relies on tourism for prosperity.
What is at stake here?
Logging Corunna Forest is for short term gain. A few jobs for a few weeks for a few dollars when you compare it to the advantages of exploiting the forest in a cultural and eco-friendly way that supports tourism to the area for next 30 years or more.
The risks of allowing the harvesting of compartment 3058 are numerous;
Included is the loss of bio-diversity, the fact that we are creating more threatened species with the possibility that 2 highly endangered species will have their habitat and feed trees plucked from the earth so that the state government can fulfil its contractual obligations to Forestry Corporation.
The possibility that Corunna and Tilba Lakes, that are unique coastal ICOLLS found in only a few places in the world, will be subjected to erosion causing nutrients to flow into the Lakes potentially causing harmful algal blooms and fish kill. The cost to council.
Last but not least the loss of income from tourists who contribute to the livelihood of businesses in Eurobodalla Shire.
There are no risks involved in saving Corunna Forest, only benefits.
The advantages are 30 years of tourism dollars coming to the nature coast which this council is so keen to promote. This is an area of significant cultural importance to both European and Indigenous people.
Corunna Forest is an asset. This is like tearing down an iconic historical building to put up a parking lot.
Discover, Explore, Stay - A giant billboard in the West Brooman Forest
Forestry Corporation by its own description is responsible for recreation, tourism, road access, stewardship and forest management…..how are these areas of responsibility reflected in the destruction of the Corunna State Forest
You have a choice to serve the community or serve the state government.
Allowing the logging to proceed can only be seen as a political decision, not a decision of good policy.
I would like a motion put forward that council send a request to Forestry NSW to upgrade the exclusion zone along the Princes Highway to minimize the impact on the surrounding heritage landscape and to save an important tourist destination…
John Ramsay
Spokesperson
Corunna Forest Protection Group
