The Great Koala National Park and an illegal logging case at Wild Cattle Creek were celebrated as wins for the local environment at the March for Forests rally in Bellingen last Sunday.
By Michael Burt
Hosted by the Bob Brown Foundation, hundreds of forest supporters joined around 15,000 people across the nation at 14 locations for an annual call to end native forest logging and mining.
“What an honour it is to be amongst people who have succeeded so greatly in acheiving the Great Koala National Park. Congratulations, what a win that you all have achived here,” said former Magistrate and Northeast Forest Alliance advisor David Heilpburn.
Mr Heilburn, who was one of the guest speakers, said there is much more to do to rein in the actions of Forestry Corporation of NSW, whom he labelled as criminals.
“This is not just a march for forests, this is a victim of crimes rally. We know who the criminals are: Forestry Corporation of NSW, and we know who the victims are: ancient trees, animals, and riparian zones.”
“The victims are also us. The residents of NSW who waste our resources on these criminals and these crimes.”
Bob Brown backed Mr Heilburn’s allegations in a public statement following the rallies.
“End putting taxpayers’ money into this evil and unnecessary industry. Polls show that voters of every political persuasion want to save what is left of Australia’s native forests. The voice for forests is getting louder every day, every month, every year.”
“Thousands of good-hearted people voted with their feet to end native forest logging. C’mon Albo, listen to Australians and act to save the forests,” Mr Brown said.