Blowing in the Wind

North Brooman State Forest contains the tallest known Spotted Gum in the world – Big Spotty and is scheduled to be logged within 6-18months. It is incomprehensible that Forestry Corporation of NSW would risk the health and integrity of a global icon in this beautiful pocket of forest on the South Coast. This highlights the complete breakdown of an outdated system of environmental destruction from logging. According to a scientific paper – Shifting Baselines; Since colonisation of Australia, 29 million hectares (54%) of the forests and woodlands that once existed in NSW have been destroyed. A further 9 million hectares have been degraded in the past two centuries.

In the midst of a worsening biodiversity crisis, wildlife extinctions and extensive natural disasters we are destroying one of the key components of nature that protects us, heals us and provides for us – The Forest.

This film is about more than saving one patch of forest. The majority of our native forests are being logged for low grade timber products like woodchips to be sent overseas to make throwaway products like paper and pallets, destroying critical habitat for our unique endangered animals like the Greater Glider, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Koala and Swift Parrot.

Saving Big Spotty will be used as a catalyst for change Australia wide. To stop the destruction of some of the last remaining wilderness in the world and give hope that our children will experience the natural wonders of Australia.

Campaign Goals:
1. Immediately remove compartments 49A and 50A, North Brooman State Forest from the NSW Forestry logging schedule.
2. Develop a strategic plan in consultation with Traditional Owners about the future protection of Big Spotty.
3. Permanent protection for compartments 49A & 50A, North Brooman State Forest to ensure the protection of Big Spotty and surrounding forest into the future.
4. Highlight the importance of our remaining forests.
5. Highlight the rich Indigenous history of the area and the importance of the forests to the Indigenous communities.
6. Educate the community on logging practices.
7. Work with other organisations strategies to advocate for a permanent stop to native forest logging Australia wide and provide a solution.
8. Provide concrete evidence as to why we need to not only stop logging our forests right now, but start the regeneration of our native bushland.

I grew up in the community and have a strong connection with a large pool of diverse people including Indigenous Elders, Business owners, Forestry Workers, National Parks rangers, Surfers, Builders and school teachers. Beyond the people, I have built a strong connection with the natural world that’s been apart of my life since I was young, and now sharing this with my own child.

1. Encourage the community to write to decision makers in government.
2. Help with wildlife surveying in area’s that are due to be logged, to highlight the inadequate surveying from Forestry Corporation.
3. Help with Breachwatch to track and report Forestry Corporation when they break the law.
4. Understand where products come from like paper bags, cardboard post boxes, etc. that are used once and disguarded and to think about this when consuming.
5. Reconnect with nature and learn what it gives us, both on an individual level and community level.