Act to protect the Gardens of Stone from open-cut mining

I write to request that the NSW Government take the necessary steps to declare the Ben Bullen State Forest, NSW a State Conservation Area as a matter of priority. This would allow responsible, low-impact underground mining to occur and open up opportunities for recreational tourism in an easily accessible area of NSW.

The Ben Bullen SF is adjacent to the Gardens of Stone National Park which was declared in 1994 by the then Minister for Environment, Chris Hartcher. In 2005, conservation

My request is supported by the Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW ALP, NSW Greens, NSW conservation groups, NSW recreation groups, and the majority of Cullen Bullen residents. 

The Ben Bullen State Forest is home to literally hundreds of native plants and animals, some of which are threatened to extinction. The unique habitat supported by the internationally significant pagodas are a feature for international tourists, and can be seen by guests arriving by helicopter to the nearby Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort.

On the 1st June 2012, the Office of Environment and Heritage wrote in its submission on the Coalpac Consolidation Project:

"Ben Bullen State Forest, the whole of which has long been identified by OEH as being of suitably high conservation value for future reservation under the National Parks and Wildlife Act."

As well as the Coalpac Consolidation Project, the Pinedale Coal Mine Stage 2 Extension threatens the natural values of this forest and the surrounding communities with open cut coal mining proposals. Both of these are declared a Controlled Action under the EPBC Act and require the consideration of the Federal Minister for Environment, Tony Burke.

I urge you to ensure the proper protection of the Ben Bullen State Forest before it is unnecessarily carved up.

Regards,