NSW: Association calls for limit on firewood

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2001
NSW: Association calls for limit on firewood

It's claimed more than 20 species of native birds are facing extinction in New South
Wales if people continue to use firewood at current rates.

The National Parks Association of NSW says about 1.5 million tonnes of firewood is
used in NSW each year, exceeding the state's yearly combined production of sawlogs and
woodchips.

NPA executive officer, ANDREW COX, says the improper management of woodlands has lead
to the decline of more than 20 species of woodland-dependent native birds, which could
in turn lead to their eventual extinction.

He says the government needs to urgently develop its own firewood strategy and limit
the state's use of firewood.

Mr COX'S comments are sparked by media reports that most of the wood sold by Sydney's
big firewood companies comes from the clearing of Queensland's threatened ironbark amd
box woodlands.

He says there needs to be a national approach to the issue.

AAP RTV kp/kb

KEYWORD: FIREWOOD (SYDNEY)

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