Your calls to action heard as logging halted and consultation begins in Tuckers Nob State Forest
Your calls for action have helped generate massive pressure on Forestry Corporation of NSW to consult with Gumbaynggirr Elders. Several weeks ago, Aunty Alison Buchanan submitted a Cultural Heritage Protection application under The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (ATSIHPA)1984. The Federal government’s ATSIPHA team has made contact with Aunty Alison, and works have now temporarily been halted in Tuckers Nob State Forest while consultation takes place.
A delay in logging gives us precious time to build momentum in the campaign to see these forests protected. A strong group of women and young activists are emerging as leaders in these efforts, and the community is galvanising behind them to protect this sacred women’s place. A daily vigil is being held in the forest under the banner of Save Sacred Gleniffer.
Save Sacred Gleniffer, led by Gumbaynggirr Matriarch and Senior Lore Woman Aunty Alison Buchanan, centers around the protection of sacred women's Country, remnant old trees, and cultural sites in the Gleniffer / Tuckers Nob State Forest area, near Bellingen, NSW. These forests have been excluded from the Great Koala National Park because of their designation as plantation.
Running through this complex forest ecosystem of rich koala habitat, lush rainforest understorey and pristine waterways is an ancient songline. The Yildaan Dreaming Track passes through the Never Never River into adjacent Tuckers Nob State Forest. This sacred women’s country in Tuckers Nob is part of the Dreaming corridor which provided safety, fresh water, shelter, food, and bush medicine for pregnant and birthing women. It is also vital habitat for local wildlife, including Gumbaynggirr totem animals such as the koala (Dunggiirr) and water rat.
In response to the daily community vigil and Gumbaynggirr advocacy, the Bellingen Shire Council recently voted unanimously to write to Forestry Corporation to discuss logging threats to Tuckers Nob and likely impacts on Never Never River and The Promised Land pools around Gleniffer. The area is picturesque, a renowned and popular swimming site for locals and tourists alike. The letter called for a temporary “halt to all logging works” pending discussions. Councillors are also calling an urgent meeting between Bellingen Shire Council and Forestry Corporation to discuss environmental and cultural protections.
You can follow the Save Sacred Gleniffer campaign on social media Facebook & Instagram @savesacredgleniffer
If you would like to support or make a direct donation to the Save Sacred Gleniffer campaign, please click on the link below for more information: