Mumbulla forest wins logging halt, but koala habitat still at risk

"The halt to logging within two compartments with significant Aboriginal heritage values is an important win in the campaign to protect the Mumbulla forest," said Ms Rhiannon.

"I congratulate the traditional owners for pursuing the protection of their heritage.

"Areas in the two logging compartments were gazetted as Aboriginal places in the 1980s.  They should have been included in the Biamanga National Park.  They should never have been approved for logging.

"I call on Environment Minister Frank Sartor to also halt logging areas within the two adjacent compartments that are comprised of valuable koala habitat.

"It is unethical for Environment Minister Sartor to allow logging to continue in the precious koala habitat of the Mumbulla State Forest," Ms Rhiannon said.

South Coast based Chipstop campaigner, Harriett Swift has been present at the forest blockades since logging started on 29th March.

"Today's decision recognises the importance of the mountain to the Yuin people and also gives us hope for the survival of the koala in our region,” said Harriett Swift.

"I was thrilled to join my community in the forest this morning to see the departure of the enormous logging machines that have been destroying the koala habitat.

"Compartment 2135 and the northern section of 2133 were declared and gazetted as an Aboriginal Place in 1984 as a result of the Guboo Ted Thomas campaigning in the 1970s.  Most of the area is now in Biamanga National Park, with ownership handed back to the traditional owners.

"The status of the remaining areas of Mumbulla State forest is still unclear, but conservationists are gearing up for further struggles over the significant amount of koala habitat forest that remains at risk," said Ms Swift.

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568

Harriett Swift, Chipstop campaigner - 0414 908 967

Visit Lee's website: http://endsoutheastwoodchipping.wordpress.com/