Logging In The Parks: It's Only A Matter Of Time

Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday February 20, 2001

I refer to James Woodford's article ``At Loggerheads", (Herald, February 12).

Col Dorber sure was a doughty advocate for the foresters, and those of us who worked among the tall timbers will remember his enthusiasm and skill in support of our cause.

Sadly and ironically, as Mr Dorber says, the vast areas locked up in parks will have to be logged some day if they are to survive. Eucalypt forests depend for their viability on disturbance, and this occurs either through harvesting or wildfire. The better alternative is obvious.

So, what is the response of Bob Carr, ``the greenest State leader ever", to that? How can he justify the closure of 55 sawmills and the termination of employment of 30 logging contractors?

Another irony is, that, when it is time to log those parks, the professionalism of the foresters will be sought once again.

Charlie Lemaire,

Murwillumbah, February 13.