Recently published research on the genome of flooded gum (E.grandis) has confirmed eucalyptus trees have a very broad range of genetic features, which provide for a large range of adaptive capacities. 

One of these can be readily observed in regrowth forest red gum (E. tereticornis) in agricultural areas on the Far South Coast, where the trees grow more like mallee scrub and will never attain the height or diameter of the original forests. 

In the original forests, forest red gum was a “primary” koala feed tree, however the capacity of these trees to support koalas was lost early last century. 

These changes came due to reduced soil fertility, which explains why the trees stopped growing and since that time can only support insects. 

The current logging industry is based on the notion that slow tree growth is due to too many large trees, and cutting these large trees down will result in abundant regrowth suitable for koalas. 

Similarly the whole NSW Government believes agricultural land remains suitable for koalas, it just needs more trees. 

Regrettably, and despite measures being put in place to more accurately measure forest growth, under the Regional Forest Agreements, the Forestry Corporation NSW has not been required to comply with these measures. 

Beside the delusions - and illegality - is the reality of what is actually happening in forests on the Far South Coast. 

A significant El Nino is expected to develop in coming months, increasing the probability of below average rainfall, and the likelihood that forests in the region will again turn brown. 

Coupled with “blow-up” weather, the potential for wildfire is not just increased, but fire intensity will be greatly magnified, because most of the leaves on trees will already be brown. 

I certainly agree the environment that supports us is under increasing threats, but community options are limited when dealing with a culpable, and unaccountable, state government.

Robert Bertram

Bermagui