LETTER: We need thermal imaging of Pine Creek logging areas

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WRITE with regards to the Pine Creek koala from Compartment 32 that was recently injured and eventually euthanased at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

This is one of the two compartments to which I referred in my recent Letter to the Editor.

I mentioned in the letter there had been no nocturnal surveys undertaken for, among other animals, koalas.

I noted citizen scientists (and add in here locals) had reported sightings of koalas, particularly in this compartment.

I also pointed out that clear-fell logging had been done around a koala hub.

It is my belief that there has been clear-felling all around the hub, with possible intrusions into it, although I personally am unable to substantiate this.

In correspondence with Elizabeth Fowler, of Forestry NSW,  Ms Fowler said koalas would disperse into surrounding residual forest or national park. I believe this is difficult for the animals when left on an island with mounds of debris and dirt all around them.

The koala that was critically injured was taken south on about a two-hour trip late on a Tuesday evening but, as I understand it, was unable to be seen by a vet immediately as all were at a koala conference.

I am in no doubt this creature suffered great pain until someone became available to euthanise him.

Surely a phone call prior could have found this out so a local vet could have been consulted, saving the injured animal a long trip?

Many years ago I helped rescue a mother koala and her joey on the M1 motorway. The koalas were transported north about 30 minutes away to a vet with knowledge of koalas, and they were attended to. Yes, there were a few hours’ delay prior to transport, but they were cared for by another local vet during this time.

I wonder: was WIRES notified? The public was not notified till Friday 24 July via Forestry NSW’s news site.

Days later.

Logging was apparently stopped, however I saw two loaded logging trucks in the vicinity the day after the koala in question was injured. Perhaps they were cleared to still load logs and remove? Who knows.

At the very least, nocturnal drone thermal imaging should be done as soon as possible. It should have been done prior to the operation, in my opinion, given the high likelihood of koalas being in the logging area.

The weather has been perfect for this and would at least give a heads-up as to what animals are where, and logging could be planned around this information.

I also believe there should be a spotter present from the Department of Primary Industries onsite during the logging to check if koalas are in the trees being logged.

Koalas move mostly in the night and they would have no chance during the day.

Obviously logging should not be happening in a known koala zone. But it is allowed. Why?

Why are there no laws to protect them?

Friends and I found multiple trees with scratches from koalas in this compartment when doing our citizen science surveys.

We are all very upset and want logging to stop till a thorough independent enquiry is made with recommendations to avert a repeat of another innocent animal’s suffering.

Regards,

Angela Wallace,

Bonville.