Environmentalists are calling for the dissolution of New South Wales’ Forestry Corporation following numerous charges alleging a repeated disregard for protecting an endangered species. The State Environment Protection Authority has levied these charges after a two-year investigation into allegations of breaches in forestry and biodiversity laws in the Tallaganda state forest, east of Canberra.
It is claimed that between August 2021 and January 2024, the corporation conducted forestry operations in seven areas without properly identifying and safeguarding habitat for the threatened southern greater glider. The allegations are under the coastal integrated logging rules, the Forestry Act, and the Biodiversity Conservation Act. This includes the failure to identify glider den trees before harvesting, failing to replace damaged hollow trees, and damaging the habitat of the endangered species.
Three environmental organizations—WWF Australia, Wilderness Australia, and South East Forest Rescue—have lobbied for the closure of the corporation and have documented images of forest destruction. They assert that these latest charges against the agency should prompt its closure.
Scott Daines, of South East Forest Rescue, argues that NSW should emulate Western Australia and Victoria in halting native forest logging, emphasizing that eastern Australia remains a global deforestation hotspot, largely due to logging activities in NSW.
Andrew Wong, operations manager for Wilderness Australia, criticizes the Forestry Corporation as a “rogue agency” with a business model that disregards environmental laws, yet still incurs millions in losses. He advocates for a shift to plantation logging.
Dr. Kita Ashman, a conservation scientist for WWF Australia, underscores the greater ecological value of standing forests, which serve as habitats for wildlife, carbon storage, and future resources.
In response to the allegations, the Forestry Corporation cites ongoing legal proceedings and deferred further comment. The agency was previously ordered to halt logging in certain forest regions following the discovery of a dead greater glider, which conservationists identify as a critical habitat for the endangered species.
Critics of the corporation, including a former magistrate and an experienced Scientist, label the corporation as akin to a “criminal organization” based on its record of environmental offenses. The NSW Greens environment spokesperson views the corporation as a habitual offender, criticizing the public financial losses it incurs.
The case is currently set for an initial hearing on October 10th, with no further comment from the NSW government on the matter.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/29/environmentalists-urge-abolition-of-forestry-corporation-after-allegations-it-failed-to-protect-endangered-species
