Work will be happening soon in Bungabbee State Forest to improve public access and safety, including the repair of an important fire trail network, with Forestry Corporation establishing clear processes to preserve the forest’s threatened species and Aboriginal cultural values.

Forestry Corporation is maintaining the road network within Bungabbee State Forest to address significant damage to the roading infrastructure.

Bungabbee State Forest is enjoyed by many forests users and the road network forms part of the strategic fire trail network identified by the Northern Rivers Bushfire Management Committee.

Maintenance of these roads is important for the environment (soil conservation), safe access for forest visitors and the broader community in terms of fire management, strategic fire protection and the provision of forest products.

This repair work is one of numerous projects across the state which and is funded through the NSW Government’s $46 million equity injection and is part of the $100 million COVID stimulus package, said Forestry Corporation Roading Manager, Craig Busby.

“This funding has meant we can prioritise work to repair damaged and dangerous public roads,” Mr Busby said.

“This work has been planned to ensure the highest standards are met, with surveys conducted to identify and protect any Indigenous cultural heritage and threatened species prior to any onground work starting.

“A number of sites have been identified with Aboriginal cultural heritage values and these areas will be protected during the remediation work.

“Likewise, ecological surveys have identified numerous threatened species within the operational area, such as brush sophora, bog onion, native jute, thorny pea, rainforest cassia, scrub turpentine and pointed trefoil.”

Field Ecologists will search roads ahead of operations to protect these species; where found there will be no ground disturbances.

Forest safety is also a priority in these remediation works, with experienced staff assessing damaged trees within one length of roads. Those trees with a moderate to high potential to fall will be removed.

Although this infrastructure upgrade will aid future timber haulage operations it is not a direct part of the upcoming harvesting activities scheduled for next year.

Work will be undertaken by a local Casino-based contractor, ensuring stimulus funding is benefitting regional communities.

Find out more about Forestry Corporation forest management at www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549