This week sees the commencement of logging in the Corunna State Forest in close proximity to the lake foreshore. Those protesting the logging are more than concerned that Forestry Corporation are disregarding the science that identifies both Corunna Lake and Tilba Lakes as prone to toxic algal blooms leading to fish kill as well as creating water conditions that are extremely harmful to recreational fishers, swimmers and kayakers.
A member of the Corunna Forest Protection Group told the Beagle that "it is unwise to commence logging on the foreshore of Corunna Lake leading into the warmer months and that a more appropriate time of the year for logging in this fragile ecosystem which fronts Batemans Bay Marine Park would be autumn - not spring or summer when the water temperature is rising and the conditions for a toxic algal bloom are on the rise."
The 50m setback from coastal lakes which front the Marine Park is not sufficient and the published Harvest Plan for Corunna 3058 does not reflect these facts."
"it is understood that Forestry will commence road works and fire prep work on Monday 15th October for four days, with a plan to harvest the available sections fronting Corunna Lake thereafter. Notably the 50m exclusion zone from the high tide mark which Forestry state was prescribed by the Marine Park Authority is largely beach."
The EPA have now been formally requested to urgently confirm what responses they require from Forestry prior to this work commencing - as the logging is presently proposed to occur in late spring as the lake warms up, with a 50m setback, apparently contrary to Marine Park advice.
Forestry have written to members of the Corunna Forest Protection Group several times stating that they have not received any advice or report that requires any change to the conditions in the harvest plan which cites the 50m exclusion zone.
"Naturally residents are extremely concerned about these issues as the tourism season the people of the Nature Coast depend on is upon us." concluded the group member. Below: Photos taken over the weekend from the current Corunna State Forest site
