Conservationists fighting to save koala habitat from logging are appalled by plans for a new Forestry Corporation squad focused on protesters.
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Parts of NSW are a battleground as forest defenders face off against the state government-owned Forestry Corporation.
Conservationists say it should not be destroying endangered koala habitat in areas that will be assessed for inclusion in the government's promised Great Koala National Park.
Now it's emerged the Forestry Corporation has advertised for a four-person compliance team to manage and plan for protest activity "potentially including liaison with police".
Other key tasks include collecting evidence, issuing penalty notices if protesters enter closed forests or disrupt harvesting, and "initiating prosecution if warranted", as well as developing an enforcement strategy for Forestry Act offences.
Conservation groups are incensed about the unit based in Coffs Harbour on the north coast - an area that's seen long-running logging protests.
"It's outrageous that the government is now spending taxpayer money to stop people doing what they promised to do before the election - protect the Great Koala National Park from logging," says Clancy Barnard, from the Nature Conservation Council.
The North East Forest Alliance is a volunteer group that's been working to protect forests and threatened species since the 1980s.
Spokesman Dailan Pugh says the compliance crackdown is alarming given the role they have played in exposing breaches committed by the Forestry Corporation.
"I have identified literally hundreds of breaches in numerous closed forests where logging was occurring and reported them to the Environment Protection Authority," he said.
"Some have resulted in infringement notices and fines, and most in official cautions and requirements for action plans.
"Most significantly, our recordings of threatened species during logging have resulted in additional trees and areas of forest having to be protected, including for koalas."
In other parts of NSW, community complaints recently led to stop-work orders being issued against Forestry Corporation in two state forests.
The complaints triggered an EPA investigation into the suspected destruction of den trees endangered greater gliders need to survive, and concerns about the competency of threatened species habitat surveys.
The Forestry Corporation has told AAP it is important that rules around the use of public lands are followed.
"From time to time when individuals may breach the rules, it is important that Forestry Corporation, as a land manager, can manage these situations appropriately," it said in a statement.
"This may include bringing the rules to the attention of users and, in more serious situations, considering enforcement action to ensure the safety of the community and workers, plus the protection of flora and fauna."
The corporation did not directly answer AAP's questions about any discussions with police about how the two entities would interact.
"Forestry Corporation works across government with numerous agencies on matters pertaining to the management of state forests, including firefighting, biosecurity and safety," the statement said.
NSW police said it was the lead agency for when it comes to responding to protest activity, and "will liaise with other agencies as required".
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, who is responsible for forestry, said the Forestry Corporation made its own staffing decisions.
"It is important that rules around the use of public lands are followed. From time to time when individuals may breach the rules, it is important that government agencies and land managers can manage these situations," a spokesperson said.
There was no comment from Environment Minister Penny Sharpe.
Australian Associated Press
