Our western forests (otherwise known as woodlands) have almost been wiped from the face of the earth. The figures indicate that more than 92% of temperate woodlands across Australia have been cleared. They have experienced one of the highest extinction rates in the world.

The recent conservation assessment in the Brigalow Belt South region of NSW has failed to change anything for the western woodlands. This region contains two of the largest stands of temperate woodland left in Australia – Pilliga (near Narrabri) and Goonoo (near Dubbo).

More than 17 mammals are already extinct in the region, and once common birds and animals are now rapidly disappearing with unique Australian creatures such as the Western-barred Bandicoot and the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby long since vanished

But do you think we’ve stopped clearing? Do you think we’ve stopped logging, mining, grazing and collecting firewood in these most fragile and endangered of ecosystems? Not on your nelly. It’s hammer and tongs, finish the job and don’t stop till it’s all got the chop. That’s the motto.

The NSW Government promised to make big new reserves in the region before the end of 2002. But they didn’t. A big western reserve system would have been one of their most important contributions ever to conservation in this State, instead it has been their most damning failure.

There is no argument about the importance or value of environmental protection for the woodlands. It is not a question of scientific interpretation or close debate about the threats or implications of continued abuse. It is unequivocal, blatant, well-documented – the western woodlands are on the way out.

The intensity of logging in the woodlands is greater now than at any other time in history. Firewood collection is having a huge impact. Remnant white box woodlands have been ear-marked for open cut coal mines. This is an endangered ecosystem taking an absolute pasting at a time when we all should know so much better.

In north-east NSW the intensity of logging is also having a major impact on the environment. Ancient brushbox are still being logged. Habitat trees (those with tree hollows) are usually more than 150 years old but they are still being logged. So called ‘productive’ forests can now expect the loggers to come at least once every ten years and in many places there are only saplings left.

Many precious and magnificent forest areas, including water catchments and oldgrowth forests, are still not protected. In fact we’re still waiting for iconic and much-loved forests such as Whian Whian, Chaelundi, Sheas Nob and Sherwood to take their rightful place as irreplaceable gems in the National Park system in this State. They’re not being logged right now, but they are scheduled for logging over the next three years.

On private land, the situation has just got much, much worse thanks to the bankrupt behaviour of the Department of Land and Water Conservation. Under their new private land logging regime, oldgrowth forests and threatened species habitat can be patch-clearfelled without even the need to get any sort of approval. It’s a smorgasbord of destruction.

Anyway, bad as it may be, it would be a lot worse if committed individuals had not consistently taken up the cause for change and for a new relationship with the environment. So, the challenge is still there. And it’s State election time, so anything’s possible. Let’s get out there and have a go. Talkback radio, letters to the newspapers, letters to all sides of politics, clever creative actions, particularly in the towns and cities. Now is the time.

Contact NEFA on 0266 497690 if you want to help.