Queensland forests bulldozed

As you read this, Queensland’s forests are being cut down at one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. We put laws in place to prevent this 17 years ago. But the previous state government broke their election promise and bulldozed our nature laws. Right now, Queensland parliamentarians are deciding whether to bring the laws back. This is our chance to protect our native forests. But we’ve got to act fast.

Queensland MPs go to vote in just one week and they need our support. A vote from one MP could make all the difference. And we can show them they have the community backing they need. Sign the petition and help our MPs choose forests.

Hundreds of scientists from around the world have sounded the alarm bells – calling on the Queensland government to urgently stop clearing native forests and woodlands. [1] Land clearing is double what it was before the laws were axed and Queensland has already suffered great losses of trees and bushland that stood for centuries. We can’t afford to lose any more.

Here’s why we need to bring back our land clearing laws now:

•  Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to our unique biodiversity and wildlife. Precious species like koalas are on the brink, and further loss would be devastating for their survival.
• Land clearing damages our Great Barrier Reef. Destroying trees near our coast increases run-off and pollution from land to sea, reducing water quality and smothering corals and seagrasses.
• Land clearing worsens climate change and drought. If we continue at this rate, carbon emissions from tree clearing in Queensland alone will wipe out the gains made by the Australian Government’s land-use climate policies in just 18 months. [2] We’ll see drought worsen, hurting farmers and our ability to produce food.

In 2016, we should know better than to destroy what’s left of our precious forests and woodlands. It’s time we ask ourselves – are we willing to sacrifice unique species like the koala to continue outdated, reckless clearing of native trees and forests? It’s got to stop with us. Speak up now.

Our MPs are under pressure from industry lobbyists who want to keep bulldozing our trees. We have to show them there’s huge support to restore our native vegetation laws, but we only have one week left before they vote.

Add your voice and help bring back the laws that protect our forests.

Thanks for all you do,

Jacki Boyce
Greenpeace Australia Pacific

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Our team at Greenpeace Australia Pacific acknowledge that we meet and work on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge the pivotal role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the Australian community.