Climate activist Carly Flemming faces court after tying herself to tree harvester in Ellis State Forest logging protest

A Bellingen woman has faced court after tying herself to machinery to fight against logging in northern NSW. Now, she’s spoken out.

Carly Flemming, 31, faced court in December last year after pleading guilty to hide tools/clothes/property to unlawfully influence person and fail to leave area on being requested by authorised officer.

A passionate Bellingen woman who faced court after tying herself to a tree harvester to protest against logging in northern NSW has now spoken out.

Carly Flemming, 31, faced Grafton Local Court in December last year. She pleaded guilty to hide tools/clothes/property to unlawfully influence person and fail to leave area on being requested by authorised officer.

The well-respected community member has now offered justification for her decision – and said if action was not taken on “weak” environmental laws, there would be costs to pay in the future.

“The current regulations are not reflecting the latest science and the climate crisis,” Ms Flemming said.

She said native species face extinction in Australia.

Carly Flemming with her partner Felix Dollman (left) and former Lismore councillor Eddie Lloyd outside Grafton Local Court.

“We need to start thinking about all of our futures locally,” Ms Flemming said.

“The health of our forests, waterways and local economies rely on protecting our remaining native forests.”

The court heard she attended a protest at Ellis State Forest, west of Coffs Harbour on August 29 last year, where she was arrested.

The Bellingen Activist Network rallied against the Forestry Corporation of NSW decision to log at the site, after complaints were made about the loss of rare habitats and species.

NSW Police said the Bellingen woman failed to co-operate and refused to assist officers when questioned.

But the activist network was adamant logging rare forestry would lead to the extinction of endangered species such as koalas.

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden spoke of Ms Flemming’s strong reputation in the community.

“There is no question you are of good character and are very highly regarded as well as a contributor to the community,” she said.

Ms Flemming tied herself to a harvester in protest.

Ms Crittenden acknowledged the climate crisis was significantly distressing to many, however, said Ms Flemming had to expect consequences for taking matters into her own hands.

“She had a view about the (Forestry Corporation) and her motivation (to commit the crime) is her firm belief,” she said.

Ms Crittenden said Ms Flemming endangered the community by protesting and added that police resources were required to untie her from the harvester, which had to be considered.

“She took it upon herself to engage in this conduct knowing the consequences – this isn’t just holding a sign,” she said.

Ms Flemming’s lawyer and former Lismore councillor Eddie Lloyd, speaking after the case was finalised, said such lengths were considered necessary by the protesters.

“The forestry still continued despite complaints” she said.

“She’ll (Ms Flemming) be validated when it’s all gone.”

Members from the Bellingen Activist Network were left furious after complaints were left unheard.

Ms Lloyd said she expected to see more court cases of a similar nature if environmental concerns were not addressed.

“She (Ms Flemming) attended peaceful rallies, signed petitions and wrote an official complaint to the EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) yet no action was taken,” she said.

Ms Flemming’s partner Felix Dollman is a volunteer firefighter of almost 20 years who helped fight the 2019 bushfires near Ellis State Forest

“I’ve never seen anything like it – it was devastating and now they’re logging what little remains of it,” he said.

Prosecutor Sergeant Ursula Kryj argued a conviction was warranted and said Ms Flemming was “consciously uncooperative” with police.

“Precious police resources had to be deployed, diverting resources away from where they were needed,” she said.

The magistrate took into account Ms Flemming’s contributions to the community and good character.

Ms Flemming avoided a conviction and was placed on a conditional release order for 12 months.