Cherry Tree State Forest protesters arrested at NSW Forestry site

Police have arrested protesters who interrupted logging at a forestry site that has been described as a refuge for animals affected by bushfires.

Three women and a man have been charged over their protest in the Cherry Tree State Forest west of Casino.

Protesters set up camp at the site to show their opposition to a state government rule change that allowed NSW Forestry Corporation to log two new zones in the forest.

Lismore police officer Inspector Susie Johnson said a group of 14 people erected signage and an A-frame structure to stop logging machinery from beginning work.

Police were called to Butlers Road at Mallanganee on Monday where two women had locked themselves to a barrel of concrete while another man had climbed a structure made from bamboo.

Inspector Johnson said police issued the group with a move-on order.

She said three women, aged 47, 55, and 69, along with a 69 year-old man, were arrested and taken to Casino Police Station.

The 47-year-old woman and 69-year-old man were charged with enter forestry in contravention of notice, fail to leave after being requested by authorised officer, erect fence or obstruction, and resist police in execution of duty.

The 55-year-old woman was charged with enter forestry in contravention of notice and fail to leave after being requested by authorised officer.

Inspector Johnson said the 69-year-old woman would be issued with a future court attendance notice relating to offences.

Animal refuge and koala habitat are to be logged in Cherry Tree State Forest, Mallanganee after government gives green light to Forestry Corp.

Lismore resident and activist Naomi Shine said there were scientists on site gathering evidence to prove koala habitat was at risk and there was also evidence that koalas were living in the trees that were to be cut down.

Environmental Defence Office NSW principal solicitor Sue Higginson said NSW Forestry wanted to log two compartments within the forest.

“They’ve closed a large area because they anticipated some pushback on the ground,” Ms Higginson said.

“They closed the forest because then members of the public are not allowed free access – even though the forest is public and people can access it.

“It is forestry corporation practice, they’ll close forests where there is controversy over logging.”

A Forestry Corporation of NSW spokesman said Cherry Tree State Forest was included areas that were set aside for conservation as well as areas that had been harvested in the past to produce renewable timber and regrown.

“Forestry Corporation is carrying out an operation to selectively harvest timber from the regrowth forest, in line with strict environmental conditions,” the spokesman said.

Ms Higginson said people were concerned about logging an area in which animals had sought refuge in the aftermath of the black summer fires.

“Forestry NSW have been made aware of these concerns for animal refuge and habitat in the areas of regeneration,” Ms Higginson said.

“That’s why these people have put their lives on the line.

“That’s why they write to Minister Keen and Deputy Premier Toole asking them to please stop logging Cherry Tree Forest.”

The Forestry Corporation spokesman said the organisation respected the rights of community members to protest and voice their views.

He asked community members to protest outside of active harvesting operations which were closed worksites where workplace health and safety considerations were of the utmost importance.