Death of Koala found in Pine Creek Logging Compartment
A KOALA FOUND INJURED IN PINE CREEK ACTIVE LOGGING AREAS WAS EUTHANISED DUE TO ITS INJURIES. THE COMMUNITY DEMANDS ANSWERS OVER CAUSE OF DEATH
Logging was temporarily halted in Pine Creek SF on Tuesday 21 July, when an injured koala was discovered during clearfell operations in compartment 32, temporarily halting logging. The koala seen by a vet at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (90 minutes away) the following day and subsequently euthanised. The community and Senator Sue Higginson are demanding answers from Forestry as to the cause of the koala's death.
Sue Higginson addresses parliament
Reports were received from sources describing the koala as having been injured during harvesting operations. Forestry officials have disputed this account, attributing the animal's condition to pre-existing illness. These accounts are in direct conflict and the community is calling for an independent, transparent investigation into how the koala came to be injured — including why the koala was transported 90 minutes away and not seen by a vet until the following day. The logging compartment (32) where the koala was found critically injured in the contains a recognised koala hub and should not be logged.
Members of the Bellingen community gathered last Sunday at Lavenders Bridge River Park for a funeral to mourn a male koala (dunggirr). The ceremony, organised by community members, including Gumbaynnggirr elders, combined a traditional grieving ritual with a public call to permanently halt logging in the compartment, drawing residents who have campaigned for years to have the area (known as the Forest Bridge) protected. Attendees gathered for a ceremony opened by Aunty Alison Buchanan and officiated by Dr Reverend Jason John.
This sad event is exactly what this petition has been aimed to prevent. We need your help to let the politicians know that koala deaths are not acceptable and the logging in Pine Creek needs to stop. Please share this petition and write directly to Premier Chris Minns. For more info follow us on Facebook or go to Friendsofpinecreek.com
Thanks for your support!!!!!