In 2019, Forestry Corporation of NSW harvested approximately 1.44 hectares within Bindarri National Park which bordered Orara West State Forest on the state's north coast. The harvested area included a mature flooded gum plantation previously dedicated as State forest. Forestry Corporation sincerely apologises for this incident.
The boundary issue traces back to 1999, when sections of the flooded gum plantation were declared as national park while other parts remained State forest.
During 2018 while planning a harvesting operation in the State Forest plantation, the boundary was incorrectly mapped. Forestry Corporation re-planted the area with native trees and undertook pest and weed control prior to becoming aware of the boundary error.
Forestry Corporation's General Manager Hardwood Forests Daniel Tuan stated, "We deeply regret this incident and sincerely apologise for this error which resulted in the harvesting of approximately 1.44 hectares within Bindarri National Park in contravention of the National Parks and Wildlife Act."
"Upon identifying the error, we advised the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). We have since agreed to work with NPWS to identify additional restoration measures that would provide the best environmental outcome in the circumstances."
Forestry Corporation has committed to fund, restore and remediate the harvested area over the next 10 years. Additionally, it has also agreed to contribute $500,000 to NPWS for purchasing native forest for gazettal under the NPW Act, or to reserve an agreed area of State forest as national park.
"In response to this incident, we have strengthened our mapping systems, improved boundary identification processes and will implement a specific protocol and training to improve boundary management to avoid similar contraventions in the future," Mr Tuan added.
