Shoalhaven Councillor, Debbie Killian, and Eurobodalla deputy mayor, Colleen Turner, joined protestors supporting greater protection for Big Spotty, the world’s tallest recorded spotted gum, in Nowra.
Councillor Killan and Deputy Mayor Turner spoke at a rally outside state MP for South Coast, Liza Butler’s office to support a Protect Big Spotty’s Forest proposal.
“We stand with other locals to show our support for the protection of North Brooman State Forest as the Big Spotty Flora Reserve,” said Killian.
“We also support Giant Tree visitor infrastructure such as signage, a boardwalk and viewing platform. Giant Tree Tourism will extend the tourism season throughout the year for local tourism and hospitality operators.
“Promoting Big Spotty as an international destination will be a real boost to our local economy.”
Deputy Mayor Turner said protecting the forest would also have benefits for other industries in the region.
The forest on both sides of the Clyde River must not have the trees cut down primarily for export woodchips. Our forests are worth more standing as pristine catchment”.
Joslyn van der Moolen from the NSW National Parks Association’s Eurobodalla branch welcomed the proposal.
“This forest is full of lyre birds as well as wildlife recovering from the Black Summer fires,” she said. “NPA NSW has over 3,000 members with 250 in the Milton Branch. Over 16,800 people in NSW have signed the online Protect Big Spotty’s Forest letter to local MPs and thousands more have signed the hardcopy petitions in over 30 outlets in both the Shoalhaven and the Eurobodalla.
“It is heartening that both Liza Butler, Member for South Coast and Michael Holland Member for Bega are considering this proposal”.
