Picture and Story by Andrew Cox

As one of his last acts as Premier, Nathan Rees announced last week that the NSW Government would protect the magnificent red gum forests of the Murray River.

Some are now seeking to undo this decision, but Nathan Rees had little choice. As the last forestry region in the State to undergo a conservation assessment, the evidence of an unstainable industry was crystal clear.

The independent Natural Resources Commission was called in to conduct a scientific-based study and its findings were alarming. The forest industry was extracting timber at levels that were more than double the sustainable level, threatened species such as the Barking Owl were in serious decline and the expected lower water in the Murray meant the survival of many red gum stands was in doubt.

Over the last ten years the logging has intensified. Few large trees are kept and large patches are clear-felled, removing all vegetation and creating football sized clearings in the otherwise intact forest. This industrial-scale logging saw NSW red gums mostly end up as sleepers under Victorian railway tracks and as firewood in Melbourne household fireplaces.

An open letter to Premier Rees several weeks ago, written by 57 scientists, stated that “past and current uses and management are seriously affecting the long-term viability of the River Red Gum forests and wetlands”.

The NRC recently completed an interim report to the Government and the Premier acted. He announced a new 42,000 ha Millewa National Park, protecting the largest and healthiest stand of red gum, matching a similar move to protect the other third of this stand on the Victorian side of the border by the Victorian Government a year ago.

The Government also supported protection of other important red gum forests – the ancient Barooga stand on the Murray River upstream of Millewa and the string of red gums lining the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers.

In order to support local communities and timber workers affected by the Government decision a generous $48M assistance package was provided. Those timber mills remaining in the area will become better equipped to use red gum for higher-value uses. There will be new jobs in national parks, tourism and in new sustainable enterprises

This is a chance to offer Indigenous people in the region direct involvement in the management of the red gum forests. It is a chance to diversify the local economy to better value and sustain the Murray River red gums. It is a chance to find smart ways to flood thirsty red gums. It is a chance for families to holiday in a healthy red gum forest.

Visit www.redgum.org.au to find out what you can do to ensure that the decision to protect the majestic River Red Gums of the Riverina is implemented in full.