Forest logging protest

More than 50 people joined the Preston Environment Group in Arcadia Forest on Sunday to protest against a logging operation.

The battle to save the forest, near Wellington National Park, has been waged for years but has intensified recently as the Forest Products Commission prepare to log a 250ha area.

Member for Fremantle MLA Adele Carles met with protestors in a bid to save a small colony of mainland quokkas in the forest.

AForest Products Commission spokesman said the commission was not aware of the existence of quokkas in the area to be harvested.

Ms Carles was given the honour of being the first WA politician to tie a yellow ribbon around a jarrah tree in a symbolic gesture to stop logging in the forest.

Her action was then followed by locals.

Ms Carles said the State Government had to act immediately in a bid to save the rare fauna’s habitat.

‘‘I call on the Minister for Forests, Terry Redman, to incorporate the Arcadia Forest as part of the adjacent Wellington National Park,’’ she said.

Quokka expert Mark Sheehan and eco-guide Peter Murphy both gave presentations at the event.