The Environmental Protection Authority is continuing its investigation into a logging operation off Wagonga Scenic Drive just north of Narooma.
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Neighbours and bicycle users back in February expressed concern over the logging operation in the tourist area known as the Box Cutting Rainforest Walk.
The logging operation was in the Bodalla State Forest compartment 3027 just north of Narooma and west of Kianga, and those concerned were upset the harvest was clearly visible from the roadway that is an important tourism asset for the region.
Wagonga Scenic Drive resident Bill Braines went on record that he was upset that the Forestry Corporation and its contractor appeared not to be following regulations and rules, such as having 50-metre wide buffer zones.
The EPA visited the site not long after his complaints and checked using GPS his allegation that the logging extended onto private property. Mr Braines also alleges that an area set aside for the protection of the giant burrowing frog was also entered by the logging contractors.
A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesperson said the authority’s investigation of this issue continued. “We will be in a position to provide further information once the investigation is complete.”
An Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA) applies to anyone carrying out forestry operations on State forests in NSW, the spokesperson said. IFOAs bring together licence conditions that protect soil, water, threatened species and their habitats and the EPA regulates to ensure these conditions are complied with. However the IFOAs do not give the EPA the role or authority to approve individual harvesting plans, they explained.
The forestry activities in the Bodalla State Forest are subject to the Southern Regional Forestry Agreement which remain in place until 2021, the EPA spokesperson said.
Mr Braines said he remains frustrated that no action has yet resulted from his complaints of alleged breaches and also that Eurobodalla Shire Council didn’t take a stand given the importance of the Wagonga Scenic Drive to the area’s tourism.
Mayor Lindsay Brown said he was aware of the Wagonga Scenic Drive residents’ concerns and urged Forestry Corporation NSW to take extra care in areas of high tourism significance. He was also disappointed with the extent of logging adjacent to the Princes Highway that opened clear view to the landfill at Brou.
“We as a council and community care about our natural environment we would hope that the industry and authorities consider the tourism industry when undertaking operations,” Mr Brown said.