Residents Rally Against Firewood Collection Ban in NSW National Parks

In a show of solidarity, over 100 residents from the Deniliquin area gathered to protest the impending ban on firewood collection in the Murray Valley and Murrumbidgee Valley national parks. The ban is set to take effect on October 30, marking the end of the Riverina Domestic Firewood Program, which has been in place since 2010.

The decision to discontinue the program comes as a response to a significant decline in fallen timber, crucial for both heating homes and supporting local wildlife. Many residents, like Jane Mathers, depend on firewood for warmth and cooking, stating, "I couldn’t live without it, especially in the winter." Mathers highlighted the financial burden that would accompany losing access to firewood, with her electricity bill already hovering around $1,000 each quarter.

Concerns Over Environmental Impact

According to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the ban is necessary to protect the health of native ecosystems. A spokesperson explained that the collection program put undue pressure on the forest’s flora and fauna, emphasizing the importance of fallen timber in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Residents worry that the resulting debris accumulation on the forest floor could increase fire risks.

Petition and Political Response

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, who spearheaded the rally, is advocating for a petition aimed at reversing the ban. She believes that decisions made far from the affected communities lack the nuance required to understand local needs. If the petition garners 10,000 signatures, it will be presented in state parliament for further debate. Local leaders like Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall echoed concerns about potential fire hazards, calling for more community involvement in such crucial decisions.

Source: www.abc.net.au