The Minns Labor Government needs to provide certainty to the state's $3 billion native forestry industry after the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) imposed new rules that halted operations for the third time this year, according to Clarence Nationals MP, Richie Williamson.
Mr Williamson said native forestry plays a key role in the North Coast region, providing hundreds of jobs and enabling our residents to put food on the table.
“It is regional families that ultimately pay the price I won’t sit idle when the jobs and livelihoods of local families are at major risk by the stroke of a pen,” Mr Williamson said.
“It is also essential to supplying critical materials like flooring, decking, panelling and cladding; all of which are crucial as we face a deepening housing crisis.
“If the government is serious about promoting domestic manufacturing, protecting the jobs of skilled workers, and addressing the housing shortage, it needs to conduct the overdue review and resolve this situation immediately.”
NSW boasts some of the world's strongest environmental protections, harvesting only 0.1 per cent of public estate, and ensuring every harvested tree is regeneratively replanted.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said Environment Minister Penny Sharpe needs to intervene and bring forward a long-anticipated review of the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals to provide consistent regulations to the sector.
“All we have seen so far is the Minns Labor Government using delay tactics to push this much needed review down the road, which is having a detrimental impact on the industry and the 9,000 regional workers it employs,” Mr Saunders said.
“The EPA has abruptly introduced new protocols several times since January, which is disrupting businesses and causing uncertainty and instability.
“The Government should be actively supporting the sustainable management of state forests rather than stepping back while our communities suffer.”
The EPA plays a crucial role in enforcing forestry rules but there are claims the frequent changes have been influenced by activist pressure rather than scientific evidence.
Comments