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EPA ORDERS STOP WORK ON FORESTRY OPERATION NEAR COFFS HARBOUR

The Forestry Corporation has been told to cease tree harvesting at Wild Cattle Creek State Forest, after investigations revealed serious alleged breaches of rules in relation to the protection of trees.

Officers found two stumps of old giant trees over 140cm in diameter.

The stop work order will be in place for 40 day s or until EPA is confident Forestry can meet its obligations.

EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Carmen Dwyer said this is the first time the EPA has issued Forestry Corporation with a Stop Work Order under new laws which came into effect in 2018.

“These two old, giant trees have provided significant habitat and biodiversity value and are irreplaceable,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Their removal points to serious failures in the planning and identification of trees that must be retained in the forest.”

“These are serious allegations and strong action is required to prevent any further harm to giant or other protected trees which help maintain biodiversity and provide habitat for threatened species like koalas.”

This action follows the recent issue of two penalty notices totalling $2,200 to the Forestry Corporation for non-compliances associated with an alleged failure to correctly identify protection zones for trees around streams, and for felling four trees within those protected zones in Orara East State Forest near Coffs Harbour.

The penalties were issued under previous rules when the penalties were lower.

“The EPA continues to closely monitor forestry operations despite the current COVID-19 restrictions, to ensure compliance with the regulations,” Ms Dwyer said.

“The community can be confident that any alleged non-compliance during forestry operations will be investigated by the EPA and action taken if the evidence confirms a breach.”

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