grevillea

The truth behind the rainforest battles in NSW (part 3) – science means nothing in politics

“The greens are like goldfish. No matter how much you feed them, they always want more.” The Terania Creek forest blockade Interest in Whian Whian and Goonimbar State Forests by locals was first raised in a letter in July 1974 to the Forestry Commission of New South Wales (FCNSW) about their plans to log at the …

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The truth behind the rainforest battles in NSW (part 2) – a growing awareness of rainforests

Introduction Earlier this month, I outlined a historical account of the utilisation of rainforest timbers in New South Wales (NSW) and the challenges foresters faced to ensure the cut was sustainable. Rainforest timbers were in high demand for various purposes, such as fine furniture and cabinet work crafted from red cedar and rosewood or boats planked …

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The truth behind the rainforest battles in NSW (part 1) – the historical background

“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it” ― Winston S. Churchill Introduction One of the great joys I have experienced during my working career and travels around Australia has been the opportunity to walk through rainforests. There is no better feeling. While protected from the heat of the day, or …

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Helms arboretum

There is an interesting 4,000-hectare forestry reserve located just outside Esperance called the Helms Forestry Reserve. It protects one of the largest areas of sandplain heath near Esperance, known as kwongan. It is dominated by banksias, hakeas, grevilleas and woollybush.  Within this reserve is an 800-hectare arboretum named in honour of Andy Helms, a well-respected …

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