New Red Gum National Parks will create jobs

New national parks across the River Red Gum Forests will result in the best possible outcomes for both the environment and the economy. Photo: R Jung

Analysis commissioned by The Wilderness Society from independent economists shows that new National Parks in Red Gum Forest areas will increase employment levels and boost the regional economy in the Riverina.

This counters the unsubstantiated claims by government and industry that moves by Federal Minister Peter Garrett to rein in illegal logging within the River Red Gum Forests will lead to the loss of 1000 jobs in the region. Mr Garrett intervened after it was discovered that the NSW government was allowing logging in areas listed as being of international importance and crucial habitat for both threatened species and migratory birds protected under international agreement.

The analysis by Economists at Large shows that while 136 jobs are currently maintained by the logging of State Forests, converting the forests to national parks has the potential to generate over $100 million in new economic activity for the region – five times the value of the current timber industry – while at the same time providing for many more jobs.

The forests, which occur along the Murray River and associated tributaries in SW NSW, include the 2 largest River Red Gum forests left anywhere on earth and contain likely habitat for at least 46 threatened animal species and 23 threatened plant species, including the iconic Barking Owl, Squirrel Glider, Southern Bell Frog and the Superb Parrot.

The region is one of the most heavily cleared and most poorly reserved in the country and currently, no national parks occur along the Murray in NSW. Water stress has led to up to 75% of the trees in the forests being stressed, dead or dying, which is being further compounded by the combined pressures of grazing and logging. Logging occurs mainly for low value products such as fenceposts, firewood and railway sleepers.

Victoria has already shown considerable leadership on the issue, announcing the creation of national parks across their River Red Gum Forests, a move that was hailed as one of the most significant environmental decisions in the state’s history. Victorian Environment Minister Gavin Jennings has also stated that he is confident that this move will lead to a net increase in jobs for the state.

The Wilderness Society is calling on the NSW Government to immediately commit to the creation of national parks across the entirety of the River Red Gum State Forests. Such a move will lead to the best possible outcomes for both the regions’ environment and economy.

Take action

Sign our online petition urging the NSW government to follow Victoria's lead and protect the extensive Red Gum forests across the border.