State Forests of NSW plans to intensively log native forests just upstream of one of the Eurobodalla’s most important town water supply pumping station.s on the Deua River. This could spell disaster for the Shire’s drinking water supply.

The impending logging is to occur in compartments 587 and 588 within the Wandera State Forest. These compartments are in steep terrain just a few kilometres upstream of the Shire’s Deua River pumping station. The area is accessed from I Ridge Road off the Araluen Road west of Moruya. Logging is scheduled to commence during January.

“At a time when more is understood about how important taking care of native forest systems and their catchments are to maintaining healthy, sustainable and clean water, the plan to log Wandera State Forest, is of grave concern”, said Chris Kowal, President of Coastwatchers Association.

“In the harvest plan the Governments’ own agent, State Forests, has classified the majority of these compartments as being of low to medium quality.” Mr Kowal continued.

“Coastwatchers is appalled that the destruction of these forests with the short and long terms impacts that will follow on our drinking water supply can be allowed to happen for a low return product like pulp and salvage logs”, Mr Kowal added.

Coastwatchers urge all those who are concerned about the health of our rivers, forests and ultimately our community to contact State and Local government representatives and raise your concerns with them.