[Greens-Media] A welcome reprieve for the Red Gum forests of the Murray

[Nic Clyde]

Media Release from Ian Cohen
28 September 2007

A welcome reprieve for the Red Gum forests of the Murray

Greens MP Ian Cohen today welcomed a negotiated outcome with the NSW
Government over contentious logging operations in the River Red Gum
forests along the Murray River.

“I am pleased that the government has agreed to conduct Environmental
Impact Assessments of logging operations in the Riverina Red Gum
forests,” said Ian Cohen.

“The environment movement has been calling for this for a long time.

“While court action by the NPA has been pending, it’s pleasing to
see progress towards conservation and sustainable forestry practices.

“We appreciate the desperate conditions affecting communities along
the Murray due to the drought. A system of adequate reserves and
sustainable forestry practices are the key to securing a viable future
for local forestry and for these internationally significant
ecosystems.

“Under the agreement finalised today, logging will cease in the
compartments which were to be subject to the court case.

“This positive outcome owes its success to the willingness of all
parties including the National Parks Association, government
representatives, traditional owners and the Greens to work together to
get results.

“Ecology experts recently found 3 threatened species, including a
koala, in compartments that were scheduled for logging. 

“I am confident that a thorough environmental assessment will
vindicate the movement’s efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of
the area.

“It is high time that these forests are valued for their biodiversity
and Aboriginal cultural heritage, not for the low economic value
products they yield, such as railway sleepers and fence posts. They
should be preserved for future generations,” concluded Mr Cohen.

Further Information: Ian Cohen - 0409 989 466

To arrange an interview: Nic Clyde – 0417 742 754


Nic Clyde
Adviser, Greens MLC Ian Cohen
Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3305, Fax: +61-2-9230 2267
Mobile: 0417 742 754
Web: www.iancohen.org.au