Ti-tree forests 'vandalised'
The world's worst destruction of a single old growth species, Melaleuca alternafoli, Australia's unique ti-tree, is almost complete according to a two-month survey by the North Coast Chemical Coalition.
The survey says about 95% of natural bush stands, particularly on forestry crown leases, have been chain-sawed and hacked down or irretrievably damaged in the past three to five years.
A spokesperson for the NCCC, Bob Cummins, said the survey was conducted with assistance of traditional ti-tree harvesters complaining about the clearing of forests, some 500 years old, by contractors for major plantations.
Demand had placed the native species at risk, particularly in the Bungawalbyn area near Corakai, he said.
"In ti-tree forests from Port Macquarie to Stanthorpe, there is massive destruction because of the demand for oil to mix with mainly inferior plantation oils, and for seed stock."
The NCCC is calling on federal environment minister John Faulkner to strip the NSW Forestry Corporation of its control of wetland forests. It claims there is complete vandalisation of wetlands for vested interests.
The NCCC says it is doubtful if ever in the history of humankind a single species has been reduced in such a short time.
Contractors using chainsaws are ruining ecosystems that have taken millions of years to develop. NSW Forestry's abrogation of control is criminal vandalism, the survey states.