This year is the 20th anniversary of massive protests to save the south east forests.
In 1989, the local community campaign was strong, thousands of people visited the south coast from Sydney and other parts of NSW to support the campaign and over 1200 people were arrested in demonstrations over the period of 1989 / 1990.
This campaign succeeded in gaining massive public support, put the issue firmly on the NSW political agenda and saved some native forests on the south coast.
The 20th anniversary is a chance to remember and celebrate this campaign.
Check out the timeline below for inspiration:
- January 1989: The first Blockade Base Camp opened in Reedy Creek, Coolangubra and resulted in 20 arrests.
- April 1989: 160 arrests in Sheep Station Creek and Bondi State Forest, the habitat of the endangered Long-footed Potoroo.
- By May 1989 arrests were up to 500.
- June 1989: 2,000 people congregated in Coolangubra in opposition to logging.
- August 1989: The first tree platform was raised to draw attention to, and prevent, further roading.
- October 1989: 500 people began re-seeding Wog Way Road. By this stage a total of 800 charges had been laid against protesters since January.
- June 1990: 35 people were arrested during a protest at Eden’s Daishowa woodchip mill. 27 people were charged with entering enclosed land and 8 juveniles were cautioned.
- August 1990: Two Bega grandmothers who were arrested during the forest protests were sent to Mulawa Women’s Detention Centre for failing to pay their fines: Annabel MacDonald, 55 at the time, and Betty Thatcher, 65 at the time.
- October 1990, tree-sitters removed from their platforms after over a year in the tree tops.
If you were involved in the campaign and have pictures or stories to share, please contact us and we will put them up on this website.
