The AKF says it shows that these agreements, struck between the federal and state governments, override the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

The AKF says that while many believe environmental laws safeguard forests, RFAs effectively authorise the logging of native forests on public and private land, and possibly even within National Parks.

This is the result of a loophole that bypasses the usual environmental approval processes.

It means critical habitats and endangered species in an RFA zone lose essential protections.

“Regional Forest Agreements are the best friend of Australia’s logging industry,” Australian Koala Foundation Chair, Deborah Tabart said.

“They have not only proven to be a toothless tiger for biodiversity conservation, but rather, the single biggest risk to the survival of Australia’s beloved koalas.

“RFAs have been extended in NSW until 2039.

“It is laughable to think that the proposed Great Koala National Park could have any impact whatsoever, when RFAs continue to condone the decimation of trees within its boundaries.”

Locally, conservationists are concerned that existing safeguards are not being upheld and a number of groups are regularly taking action.

“The EPA has strict regulations to protect the habitat of native wildlife and manage the impact of logging on plants, animals, ecosystems, soils, and water,” a NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) spokesperson told News Of The Area.

“Forestry operations are allowed in certain state forest areas under strict environmental laws, including the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (IFOAs).”

“Outside of koala hubs, the Coastal IFOA has requirements to retain critical trees including koala browse trees, and excludes forestry activities from areas of active koala use.”

However, conservationists say this is not good enough.

Last week, protestors halted logging in Sheas Nob State Forest for the third time in seven days while a number of “friends groups” are holding weekly vigils.

“The Australian Koala Foundation will not rest until RFAs are repealed and a Koala Protection Act is enacted,” Ms Tabart said.

“On Sunday, 1 September, the AKF will return to the streets of Canberra to host our inaugural ‘Koala Army March for Creatures Great and Small’.

“The March will be a joyous celebration of koalas and all Australian wildlife, underpinned by a strong message that the people of Australia demand that wildlife habitat is legally protected.”

By Andrew VIVIAN