Controversy Surrounds Logging in New South Wales Amid Greater Glider Concerns

In New South Wales, logging activities in the Glenbog state forest are facing significant opposition due to the discovery of 102 trees identified as homes for the endangered greater glider. Citizen scientists from Wilderness Australia conducted surveys that revealed these "den trees," prompting former environment minister Bob Debus to call for an immediate halt to logging operations. Debus criticized the New South Wales Forestry Corporation (NSWFC) for frequently breaching its own regulations, suggesting that such violations have become integral to its operational model. He stated, “Native forestry operations run at a permanent loss so in reality, taxpayers are paying the fines when they are prosecuted.”

The Guardian

The controversy intensified as Wilderness Australia’s Andrew Wong accused the NSWFC of conducting inadequate surveys, claiming they often occur outside the critical dusk hours when greater gliders emerge. Wong noted that the corporation's previous daytime surveys were deemed insufficient by a court, leading to a shift towards nocturnal assessments. However, he asserted that many surveys still fail to adequately account for hollows on the opposite side of trees or deeper within the forest, raising concerns about the ecological integrity of the logging process.

The Guardian

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, responsible for forestry, stated that the NSWFC is expected to adhere to the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals, which outline specific procedures for searching for greater glider dens. A spokesperson for the Forestry Corporation emphasized that they conduct nocturnal surveys in compliance with these requirements and are incorporating data from citizen scientists into their planning processes. However, the spokesperson acknowledged that the existing rules represent minimum inspection requirements, leaving room for more thorough assessments.

The Guardian

The Glenbog area is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, not only for greater gliders but also for wombats. Marie Wynan, founder of a nearby wildlife sanctuary, expressed concerns about the potential destruction of wombat burrows during logging operations. An informal agreement was established between the sanctuary and the NSWFC to prevent damage to these burrows, particularly after past incidents where machinery inadvertently blocked burrow entrances. Wynan highlighted the importance of protecting these animals, stating, “They don’t deserve to be buried alive.”

The Guardian

While Wilderness Australia reported 102 den trees, the NSWFC's own surveys identified only four, indicating a significant discrepancy in data. This raises questions about the reliability of the corporation’s assessments and the potential ecological consequences of proceeding with logging in the area.

The Guardian

• “Forestry Corp is in breach of its own regulations so frequently that the practice is effectively part of its business model,” — Bob Debus, Former Environment Minister

The Guardian

• “Glenbog is a biodiversity stronghold that should never be logged,” — Andrew Wong, Operations Manager, Wilderness Australia

The Guardian

• “They don’t deserve to be buried alive.” — Marie Wynan, Founder, Wildlife Sanctuary

The Guardian

As the debate continues, the future of logging in Glenbog remains uncertain, with ecological concerns at the forefront of discussions among stakeholders.

The Guardian