In February polling by DemosAU showed 80% of Queenslanders value forest protection and recreation in public native forests above timber production.
Fifty-six percent of Queenslanders want an end to native forest logging, and an overwhelming majority across the political spectrum (70-80%) back incentives to grow more timber plantations. Only 20% of participants identified timber production as the most important use of native forests.
In light of this clarity of public sentiment, the Crisafulli Government needs to urgently review all values of State-owned native forests, as it finalises its Future Timber Plan 2050 five-year action plan. The Plan is expected to lock in native forest logging.
“A thorough review of all forest values should be an urgent priority, and should come before these public assets are sold off to loggers for another 25 years, Queensland Conservation Council protected areas campaign manager Nicky Moffat said.
“Public native forests should be opened up for camping, bushwalking, bird watching, environmental education and other respectful outdoors activities that Queenslanders enjoy.
https://www.queenslandconservation.org.au/poll_forest_protection_recreation_over_logging