Grassy Head man Michael Jones pleads not guilty, set to fight Ellis State Forest logging protest charges at trial

A Mid-North Coast ecologist is fighting protest charges as the battle over native forest logging in the Clarence and further afield rages on. Here’s what we know.

A Mid-North Coast ecologist is preparing to fight allegations linked to an anti-logging protest on the Coffs Coast.

Michael Morris Jones, 65, has denied allegations as Clarence Valley Council has voted against phasing out native forest logging, to the cheers of logging workers and disappointment of environmental activists.

Mr Jones from Grassy Head faced Grafton Local Court on Tuesday.

He was arrested after he allegedly “locked on” to a forest harvester in the Ellis State Forest west of Coffs Harbour on August 30 last year.

He has pleaded not guilty to one count each of failing to leave an area when requested to by an authorised officer and hiding property to unlawfully influence a person.

Michael Jones (right) with his lawyer outside Grafton Local Court.

Seperately, at last week’s council meeting, workers turned out in full force, urging councillors to dump the anti-logging push – and they cheered when the motion was defeated.

People representing the other side of the debate were out in force to support Mr Jones at Grafton Courthouse, which had been adorned with anti-logging placards and banners.

Some of Michael Jones’ supporters outside the court.

One of the people accompanying Mr Jones was Mark Graham, an environmentalist also arrested while protesting logging in state forests in 2022.

The eight charges brought against Mr Graham relating to protests were dismissed this July at Coffs Harbour Local Court.

Speaking in front of the courthouse, Mr Graham said Ellis State Forest was a refuge for endangered species, including the koala. He claimed logging was destroying habitats and impacting Clarence’s water supply.

“We’re here to support Michael in seeking justice for his actions to protect and defend these globally significant forests that are a critical part of the Great Koala National Park,” Mr Graham said.

Supporter Mark Graham outside the court.

Inside the courtroom, Mr Jones’ defence team confirmed pleas of not guilty to all charges and said they were ready to proceed to trial.

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden said there would not be enough time for a trial on the day as multiple witnesses were needed.

The entrance to Grafton Local Court looked a little different to usual.

The court heard Jones faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment if found guilty.

The matter was adjourned to December 19.

Mr Jones did not speak outside court, but defence lawyer Eddie Lloyd said it was “very frustrating” the case had been before the courts for more than a year.

She said: “I am glad the trial is not far away though because we all want to see this matter finalised.”