Tree clearing taints Tidy Towns bid

WITH just weeks to go before a planned Tidy Towns assessment, an area of rainforest at McPhersons Crossing has been damaged.

"I was shocked to find someone had cleared some of the forest for a camping area," Coutts Crossing Tidy Towns committee president Greg Clancy said.

"A turning circle had (also) been constructed and someone has laid down crushed gravel. This forest is a rare rainforest sub-alliance of silky oak and black bean and is part of the Coutts Crossing Tidy Towns committee's wildlife corridors project."

The rainforest is wedged between the Orara River and Burragan Road.

Mr Clancy said the tree clearing took place about 100 metres from the established car park area, with other trees closer to the river also damaged.

He said the tree removal was a set back for the Tidy Towns committee.

"It puts us a bit further behind," he said.

"The assessors like to see the community supporting a campaign, not working against it.

"It certainly doesn't help."

The area is a popular spot for camping as well as other recreational visitors.

Mr Clancy said the spot's popularity meant litter was also a problem.

"Unfortunately, the area is loved to death," he said.

"It puts more pressure on an area already under pressure."

Mr Clancy said the Coutts Crossing Tidy Towns committee wanted people to use the area, but in a sustainable way.

"It's a wonderful place for people, but it's a shame people don't look after it," he said.

Mr Clancy said while the area of cleared land was not large, it was still cause for concern.

"Because the land is so small, any clearing is significant," he said.

"Particularly on the river bank, there are some beautiful old rainforest trees."

Mr Clancy has written to Clarence Valley Council asking it to take steps to reduce damage in the rainforest.

"If it is a local (or locals) taking the law into their own hands steps will need to be taken to prevent vehicle access into the 'camping area'," he said.

"A barrier needs to be installed as the large log that prevented vehicle access was washed across the road in the last flood."

A council spokesman said it did not appear as though the tree removal was part of council-sanctioned work.

He said council would investigate the tree removal.