The Total Environment Centre (TEC) said the draft fails to protect forests and offers no security to the timber industry.
“I think it’s very important for the timber industry and people who are concerned about the environmental values of the north coast’s forests that this code protects timber yields in the long term and entrenches environment protection,” said Jeff Angel, TEC director.
“It does neither of those two things and therefore fails on environmental and economic sustainability grounds,” he added.
Meanwhile, some 50 workers whose jobs have been jeopardised by the closure of two Boral mills on the NSW mid-north coast, are appealing to the government to give them access money aimed at helping those affected by the industry changes. Some of the workers have agreed to relocate to Boral’s new operation south of Port Macquarie.
Union officials have met staff from the Premier’s department to discuss how to obtain funds from the Forest Industry Structural Adjustment Programme.
