NSW Forestry Corporation reported a $29m loss in its native hardwood division in December 2024. This brings the total loss over the past 4 years to $73m. Taxpayers prop up the destruction of our native forests. No wonder Nannas are cross.
Forest Convergence and Forum
Sydney Knitting Nannas are members of the Forest Alliance NSW, a group representing the many forest protection groups along the east coast. Last week Nanna Bron from Sydney, and Nanna Sharon from Newcastle, spent a couple of days at a very informative Forest Convergence at Lakeside Caravan Park at Narrabeen.
On Wednesday evening a Forest Alliance Forum was held at Parliament House to bring the facts about native forest logging in NSW to state MPs – facts that the forestry industry contests in their attempts to keep logging our public state forests.
Nannas and other environmental activists were there to hear excellent speakers. Prof Brendan Mackey, a researcher in climate change and biodiversity presented on the flaws in the industry’s arguments and data, and went on to outline the way forward from here.
Dr Kita Ashman, a species and science ecologist, told us that greater gliders were once common in our coastal forests, but became vulnerable after the fires and are now endangered. Unless logging stops now they will be critically endangered in the next 5 years. Forest protectors and citizen scientists have devoted thousands of hours to identifying the gliders’ den trees by spotlighting to find gliders in difficult conditions. This work has given protection to many gliders because once a tree is reported, Forstry is not allowed to log it.
What could and should be happening with forests was discussed and we wished the forum had been packed with MPs.
Susie Russell spoke about the long struggle to save the Bulga Forest, near where she lives. Forest protectors have used every conceivable means to save the forest – citizen science research, lock-ons, long vigils, witnessing and delaying logging in the promised Great Koala National Park.
Susie asked us for support in an area of the struggle not open to most people in the regions – they have Nationals MPs who are aligned with forestry while a lot of city folks have ALP MPs who know that most voters in their electorates want to protect forests and wildlife. She encouraged us to get together and put pressure on city MPs to stop logging and save koalas and gliders from extinction.
Court cases for forest protectors were adjourned last week for the third time. Is this strategy aimed at hindering activists from further actions? Prolonged bail conditions keep them away from the front line, where they are most effective. Follow the Forest Alliance on Facebook and Save Bulga Forest, and if you can, donate to cover the forest protector’s fines.
Last minute change to EPBC Act
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is planning a last-minute change to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act for the salmon industry in Tasmania. Some commentators are saying the amendments could also make it easier for fossil fuel projects to be approved or extended. We will know more on Tuesday, but we understand that the changes could take away the public’s right to challenge projects through reviews by the Minister for the Environment. The bill comes before the parliament on Tuesday, 25 March and the Liberals are likely to support it. Meanwhile Nannas have been emailing their federal MPs about this issue. (Environmental Justice Australia)
Saturday 22 March – World Water Day
Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world. Protect our water!
Protest Laws
In Newcastle Local Court on 17 March, 63 people arrested during last year’s Rising Tide Blockade pleaded not guilty to the harsh anti-protest laws they were charged under. Another 66 people pleaded not guilty the following day.
They allegedly entered the Port of Newcastle on kayaks and rafts to blockade the coal port in November 2024. Most charges were adjourned and for those who travelled to Newcastle from afar this means they must return. Appeals and not guilty pleas will be heard on 9 – 10 May and others on 16 – 17 May.
Rising Tide interrupts pollies
Protesters from Rising Tide shut down Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor’s, press conference in Sydney on Thursday. Shaun Murray from Rising Tide posed the question to Mr Taylor, “Why are you asking taxpayers to fund nuclear power, when it’s going to drive up energy prices?” Good question, right!
Zack Schofield then commented, “Mr Taylor, your own party has started campaigning against your nuclear policy”, referring to the recent launch of Liberals Against Nuclear.
He asked why his party was campaigning against itself on this flagship policy. Hours earlier Rising Tide activists disrupted a speech by Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, at the Sydney headquarters of the Lowy Institute.
Mr Schofield said that Rising Tide is calling for “the Liberal party to scrap its ridiculous nuclear policy and provide Australians with a real plan for tackling the climate crisis without burdening taxpayers with costs they can’t afford.”
The reality is that the Coalition has no climate plan. Their nuclear plan clearly doesn’t stack up, they have not supported a single piece of climate legislation this term of government, and they have no 2035 emission reduction target.
Renewable Energy
If you are interested in the rollout of clean energy in the regions and missed the recent talk (Walking the Tightrope) at Climate in the Pub, speaker Eve Altman has kindly shared her slides – as well as a couple of other key docs – see below.
Eve is a Clean Energy Campaigner with the Nature Conservation Council, who are presenting their report to NSW Parliament this week – so it’s a very up-to-date presentation.
Link to slides
Full Strengthening Renewable Energy Zones joint statement
Info on Local Energy Hubs
Wildlife Road Safety
The NSW government has announced two new technology trials to improve the road safety of motorists and reduce the number of wildlife vehicle strikes:
1. Light-coloured pavement marking will test whether lighter pavement surfaces make it easier for drivers to avoid wildlife.
2. Artificial Intelligence assisted animal detection systems linked to ‘smart’ roadside signage. (Minister Jenny Aitchison Media Release)
COTA NSW Climate Change Survey for people over 50
COTA Australia’s role is to promote, improve and protect the wellbeing of older people in Australia as citizens and consumers. Climate survey here
Nannas are listening
Hawkesbury Environmental Network (HEN) has a radio program every Saturday morning ‘Hawkesbury Eco Hour’ 9am – 10am on Pulse FM 89.9FM. Regular hosts are Eric Finley, Nick Soudakoff, and Lyn Ward, plus special guests.
Nannas are reading
From undermining democracy to destabilising the climate: a brief history of the neo-liberal Atlas Network (Alliance Magazine)
Climate Anxiety Toolkit – Practical tools to help you stay calm, strong, and engaged (Climate Council)
Friends with benefits: Gina Rinehart and Peter Dutton’s ideological love-in. There are some interesting details here about how the cozy relationship works and creates policies for the fossil fuel industries – complete with Dutton’s own words. (The Guardian)
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