News and Reviews
Bulga Logging Resumption Set to Ignite Conflict
Bulga Logging Resumption Set to Ignite Conflict
The resumption of logging in Bulga State Forest north of Taree appears to be imminent with theForestry Corporation again closing the forest to the public. Logging was halted there in early 2023 due to sustained pressure from Save Bulga Forest.
Forestry Corporation has an aversion to transparency. They don’t consult on their logging plans and they certainly don’t want people seeing the damage being done to the heads of the catchments of the Hastings and Manning Rivers.
The logging will cause major damage and likely lead to the deaths of Koalas and Greater Gliders, both endangered and both known to be living in the area.
“The Government’s logging company says logging doesn’t harm Koalas or Gliders, but they are the only ones that believe that spin. These animals are social creatures, they live in colonies, have communities, have favourite hang-outs, have home ranges, have special trees for particular flavours of leaves. Greater Gliders are very similar to Koalas in that they both have a diet made up exclusively of gum leaves. So they both are quite slow and are mainly active at night when they move around to feed. Greater Gliders use multiple tree hollows in any given area. They don’t just need one, they sometimes use more than a dozen, depending on the season and what food trees are available nearby. They also need landing trees that make pathways for them as they glide through the forest,” said local conservationist Sharyn O’Dell.
“It’s been known for decades that Yellow-bellied and Greater Gliders need old forest, and that they have pretty much disappeared from the regrowth forests.
“Taking out most of the trees in the forest they use, will see an area that is a known stronghold for both of these unique creatures become degraded and fireprone like much of the region’s forests.
Greater Glider pic taken in Bulga Forest May 2023 by members of SBF
“We’ve recently done some citizen science surveys in this area of Bulga Forest. We found Koalas and evidence of breeding koalas, which you can tell because of the different scat sizes.
“We also saw Greater Gliders, quite a few. From what we are hearing from colleagues, the Bulga population of Greater Gliders could be one of the largest in the region.
“That’s the problem, governments haven’t invested in trying to establish how many animals actually remain. The Greater Glider is endangered because 80% of its population has died out over the last 20 years. That’s drastic. We all need to do something about it.
“We’re particularly worried about logging resuming now, because the female gliders will have their young in their pouches. Most of the newborns stay in the pouches over winter and come out in the spring. Those mumma gliders don’t need the stress of trees falling around them and their flight paths and homes disappearing.
“Bulga Forest should be protected for Greater Gliders alone, apart from all the other animals that live there, the water it sends down into the rivers, the carbon in the trees. So many reasons.
We’ll do what we can to save these critters. Someone needs to speak for them,” Ms O’Dell said.
“We’ve written to the NSW Ministers for Environment and Forestry and are awaiting responses.”
For more rural news, click here.
New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village
Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.
Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”
At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.
The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”
A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.
For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.
Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore
Albert Park Baseball Grounds
Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024
Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness
Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.
There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.
Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!
To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway
Dementia awareness
Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness
Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.
“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.
The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 199
Public Invited to Review and Comment on Council’s Draft Budget and Operational Plan
Private Health Insurance Costs Under Scrutiny as Premiums and Profits Soar
Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region
Jewellery Design Centre Launches “Tell Our Stories” to Celebrate Lismore’s History
Lifeline Opens Northern Rivers Warehouse and Shop in Goonellabah
A NEW TWEED HEADS
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
Teenager Charged with Terrorism Offence After Sydney Church Stabbing
Teenager Charged with Terrorism Offence After Sydney Church Stabbing In a significant development, a 16-year-old adolescent has been formally charged...
What do you do if you are the first on the scene of a crash, or arrive before emergency services?
What do you do if you are the first on the scene of a crash, or arrive before emergency services?...
Next major step in reforming emergency services funding
Next major step in reforming emergency services funding The public is invited to have their say on the best...
-
Tweed Shire News2 years agoA NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News1 year agoToyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years agoFears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News3 years agoCOVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoLismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News3 years agoVale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham
