In January 2024, the Forestry Corporation of NSW activated a scheduled industrial logging operation in the Clouds Creek State Forest, north-west of Coffs Harbour. This old-growth bushland is earmarked for inclusion in the proposed Great Koala National Park.
Forest defenders appeal conviction
A concerted community campaign to prevent the entry of forestry contractors resulted in the planned logging being abandoned in February 2024.
The legal case by the NSW Police against the local protest was heard in February 2025 at the Coffs Harbour Local Court.
Three local forest defenders, from the Blicks River Guardians, pleaded not guilty to obstructing traffic at their ‘Glider Reviver’ on the Horseshoe Fire Trail at Billys Creek. The magistrate found them guilty and recorded a criminal conviction for each of them. They are appealing their conviction, which will be heard in the Coffs Harbour District Court on 28 May.
The Blicks River Guardians claim they were peacefully protesting the logging of endangered species’ habitats in public native forests. They do not believe standing up for nature is a crime!
Blicks River is in the catchment of the proposed logging in Clouds Creek State Forest. It runs into the Nymboydia River.
Glider Reviver
The Blicks River Guardians set up a Glider Reviver at the edge of the forest at dawn each weekday. This makeshift tea stall serves free cuppas, and conversations are centered around the local endangered species: koalas, greater gliders, yellow-bellied gliders and more.
The Glider Reviver is 17 weeks into its second year of peaceful protest to protect the Clouds Creek Greater Glider Sanctuary.
A local fundraiser for the Blicks River Guardians was held at the Dundurrabin Community Centre on Saturday, 17 May. It was a huge success with a terrific turnout, live music, yummy food and an auction of donated goods. You too can support the Blicks River Guardians with donations to
Acc Name: Blicks River Guardians
BSB: 533000
Acc: 02182386
A Year at Clouds Creek – documentary film
‘A Year at Clouds Creek’ follows five determined locals who’ve held a peaceful 330-day vigil to stop logging in Clouds Creek State Forest.
Their 6am morning ritual, filmed daily for over a year, reveals a new kind of resilience. This isn’t just a fight for the forest — it’s a story of hope, mental health, and the power of shared purpose.
Since 2020, the Forestry Corporation of NSW has copped more than $1.7 million in fines for breaching its own guidelines.
Logging has been delayed, but pressure is mounting. Support this project –
Documentary Australia
Director: Jane St Vincent Welch
View Jane’s series of quirky clips here on YouTube
Imminent logging in other forests
Meanwhile, Nannas and others in the area are trying desperately to protect Coramba Mountain where the Forestry Corporation are planning to log Orara East and Lower Bucca State Forests. The only thing stopping them at the moment is the weather.
State MPs call for an end to logging of public native forests
Nannas applaud the twelve cross-bench MPs who recently wrote to Treasurer Daniel Mookhey calling on him to stop logging public native forests. They are clear that logging public native forests is “fiscally irrational and environmentally destructive.” (SMH)
Mr Mookhey is preparing the state budget, expected at the end of June. How will he explain a loss of $14.9 million by the hardwood division of Forestry Corporation in six months? Or a total cost to taxpayers since 2020 of $90 million?
The cross-bench MPs have put forward a fiscally responsible plan to stop native forest logging and invest in a just transition of workers to logging in plantations and to jobs in other industries.
We thank the MPs for standing together for our native forests, biodiversity, water and climate.
Feature Photo: Blicks River Guardians at Clouds Creek state forest