DEAR News Of The Area,

OVER the past few years, I’ve read the various articles and letters to the Editor from timber industry advocates regarding the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), Forestry Corporation and logging.

It seems to me that an obvious point is being missed.

The NSW Labor government was elected on a policy platform that included the creation of the GKNP alongside the end of logging at least in that area.

As such, the people of NSW have spoken and made their wishes clear – end of story.

So why are various supporters and elements of the logging industry continuing to insult our democracy and NSW voters.

The decision to establish the GKNP (noting that it’s much more than koalas which just happen to be the poster species that people understand and love) is not about politics and not about environmental activists, it is about the will of the people and the desire to see precious and fragile nature in NSW protected into the future.

So I say to those recalcitrant timber industry advocates, show respect for your fellow NSW citizens and stop with the grizzling and tantrums, it’s boring, tedious and gains you no respect especially given the government (i.e. NSW taxpayers) will handsomely bail you out.

Accept that knowledge and societal values change and direct your attention into transitioning to alternative sustainable logging or bush rehabilitation or whatever else provides a viable future that is aligned with the wishes of the people of NSW.

Regards,
Sue STRODL,
Coffs Harbour.