Anti-logging protest steps up at Newry State Forest near Coffs Harbour

A state forest on the edge of Coffs Harbour has gone into lockdown as police move in and Rural Fire Service volunteers extinguish a sacred fire. Here’s the latest.

Two young women lock on to heavy machinery at the anti-logging protest at Newry State Forest on the southern outskirts of Coffs Harbour on August 1. Picture: Facebook

Anti-logging protesters have established a growing bush camp as Forestry Corporation moves to harvest native timbers at Newry State Forest on the southern outskirts of Coffs Harbour.

The Bellingen Activist Network has decried increased security measures at the site, which they say includes steel gates blocking access roads and 24/7 private security guards.

Forestry Corp has explained the measures were in place for safety reasons.

“We respect the community’s right to protest but must remind people that active harvesting sites are worksites that contain many hazards and workplace health and safety considerations are of the upmost importance for the safety of both workers and the public,” a spokesman said.

“During operations, forests are often legally closed to visitors for safety reasons.”

Despite the beefed up measures, two young women managed to lock-on to heavy machinery this morning.

As tensions escalated yesterday, police moved on the site west of Urunga, and Rural Fire Service volunteers extinguished a sacred fire lit by Gumbaynggirr elders.

Police arrive at the anti-logging protest at Newry State Forest. Picture: Facebook

The protesters have established a makeshift camp in the bush, with numbers there swelling to about 60 people by their reckoning.

“While other states begin to turn away from this archaic industry, FCNSW (Forestry Corporation) continues to log away our future,” Bellingen Activist Network volunteer Zianna Fuad said.

“Newry is a healthy forest that plays a critical role in providing habitat for koalas and other threatened species, purifying the Kalang River and cooling neighbouring towns.”

The protest camp has been set up at the corner of Martells and Bryces roads, with the Bellingen Activist Network (BAN) urging more people to go there to show support.

Rural Fire Service volunteers extinguish a 'sacred fire' at the anti-logging protest. Picture: Facebook

An anti-logging protest at Newry State Forest. Picture: Facebook

“The camp has a special spiritual link to Nunguu Mirlarl, a nearby sacred men’s place, well-known by its colonial name Picket Hill,” BAN says.

“The sacred fire has been established, sending a message to Forest Corp that the community is ready to defend and will not allow any further destruction of this forest that is sacred to all of us and especially Gumbaynggirr people, the traditional owners of this land.”

Anti-logging protesters, The Coffs Knitting Nannas and Red Rebels, make a statement at Orara East State Forest near Coffs Harbour. The campaigners say they are mourning the destruction of what was previously a rich ecosystem for koalas and native forest. Picture: Facebook

But the fire was not long for this world as RFS volunteers under police escort extinguished it on Monday.

Forestry Corp has stressed its operations in Newry State Forest were considered.

“Operations in native forests are always selective, with areas set aside for habitat in every harvest area,” a spokesman said.

“Importantly, every harvest area is regrown to ensure the same forests continue to provide habitat, and produce renewable timber for future generations.

“On this operation, around 70 per cent of the area will be set aside and not harvested, including substantial protected areas on steep slopes to minimise erosion and protect waterways.”