DEAR News Of The Area,

READING Ann Thompson’s letter, ‘In support of multi use forests’, I was dismayed by her broad generalities, so close to the guff printed by the defensive Forest Corporation.

Nothing in her remarks withstands scrutiny.

She references ‘Koala Update Australian Rural and Regional News 14/11/2022’ – oh boy, tacky!

Clearly this journal hand picks information to diminish the relevance of scientific evidence.

Dodgy opinions and hearsay abound.

This from a Mr Vic Jurskis, no credentials presented.

“Koala plagues and megafires go together.

“Koalas are breeding faster than ever on all the soft young regrowth generated by the black summer.”

This line of logic wouldn’t pass a kindergarten debate.

I’ve lived in tall forest for most of my adult life – I’m 76.

Koala sightings have been rare, almost non-existent.

I’ve got skin in the timber game.

Raised and worked in the business, I continued my interest with a large plantation.

The industry has overcut for decades.

The skinny logs seen on log trucks are testimony to past plunder.

Logs now are cut too young, sprung with twisted tension, their only use is for short length pallets and wood chips.

Good millable logs suitable for house frames, planks and flooring were pillaged decades ago, so few are left.
Goodbye to a broad based industry.

Our forests and fauna need a break.

Logged and flogged, ineptitude has ruled for too long.

We need to learn from clever countries.

New Zealand has a plantation industry based on private land.

It’s a success.

Currently we import quality products across the Tasman.

If we care about the biodiversity of our forests, a long lock up is essential.

Meanwhile, New Zealand can substitute the shortfall.

Kind regards.
Warren TINDALL,
Bellingen.