New independent research commissioned by Greenpeace has revealed the shocking impact of the deforestation crisis in Australia, with huge swathes of federally-mapped koala and threatened species habitat bulldozed in Queensland.

The new research reveals how little is known about the destruction of native forests and bushland in Australia, with an area the size of the MCG bulldozed every two minutes. The majority of deforestation is occurring in Queensland, driven primarily by beef production.

The data reveals that 2.2 million hectares of forest and bushland was bulldozed in Queensland in just five years — 2.1 million hectares of which was federally-mapped threatened species habitat. Over 730,000 hectares of this was endangered koala habitat.

In Australia, over 90% of deforestation occurs without Federal environmental assessment due to a legal blindspot in our nature laws, the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC), which this year faces once-in-a-generation reforms.

Gemma Plesman, senior campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the unregulated destruction of forests and bushland for beef production can not be allowed to continue unchecked.

“The vast majority of deforestation in Australia is for beef production, much of which goes to large companies like McDonald’s, Woolworths and Coles — most consumers would be horrified to know that their steak dinner could be fuelling forest and wildlife destruction,” Plesman said.

“It doesn’t need to be this way. The majority of Australian beef is already deforestation-free but currently, companies like McDonald’s do not have adequate systems in place to rule out deforestation from their supply chain. 

“In the midst of a biodiversity crisis, companies purchasing beef have a responsibility to eliminate deforestation from their supply chain — a practice which is both unnecessary and out-of-step with global demand for responsibly sourced beef.

“This shocking data should be a wake-up call to companies who are effectively hiding the deforestation in their products from consumers. It’s time for them to lead the way with strong commitments to bulldozer-free beef.”

Meghan Halverson, co-founder Queensland Koala Crusaders and conservationist, said that unregulated deforestation is taking a deadly toll on native wildlife, killing and maiming millions of animals every year and placing threatened species like the koala at risk of extinction.

“Around 50 million animals are killed every year in Queensland and NSW alone by deforestation. As a wildlife carer, I see firsthand the horrific injuries inflicted on native animals like koalas and hairy-nosed wombats from deforestation, fires and the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation,” Halverson said.

“Australia holds the unenviable title of world leader in mammal extinctions. It is simply not good enough that we have one of the worst rates of deforestation in the world, alongside places like the Congo and Amazon Basin. 

“If the Labor government is to hold true to its promise of “No New Extinctions”, it must urgently introduce the strong laws needed to protect native animals from habitat destruction.”

—ENDS—

High res images and footage of deforestation can be found here

For interviews please contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org

The Truefood Guide has already caused shock waves in the genetically modified (GM) food industry, with Kellogg’s announcing overnight it will change its policy in response to consumer concerns and an article in the Sydney Morning Herald (2).

Also, for the first time this year, Snackbrands Australia – makers of CC’s, Samboy, Cheezels and Thins – and SPC beans and spaghetti have committed to stop using GM ingredients. Aussie favourites, Vegemite and Smith’s crisps are still rated ‘red’ and may contain GM.

“GM food has never been proven safe to eat and many parents are rightfully concerned. The Truefood Guide aims to fill the gap left by Australia’s poor labelling laws, which mean we don’t know whether our food contains GM. We are in the dark when it comes to feeding our family,” said Greenpeace GM campaigner, Laura Kelly.

“Kids are the most susceptible to potential health impacts of untested GM ingredients and this will be the first generation of Aussie children dealing with a lifetime exposure to GM.”

Leading health experts agree.

“I don’t believe we have all the answers on GM and I don’t believe the testing is adequate. Parents have a right to expect that someone is looking after the labelling so that they can make the appropriate choices,” said leading nutritionist and author, Rosemary Stanton.

Chicken – the problem meat – is the only product rated ‘red’ for almost all brands.

“The problem with chicken is corporate monopoly – neither Woolworths or Coles, or Inghams and Baidia, regardless of their greenwash on chicken hormones, want to commit to providing quality meat,” said Laura Kelly. “Without genuine competition, Australians will keep feeding their families chicken polluted with GM soy, and the research increasingly shows that the DNA stays in the animal’s organs, muscles and blood.”

GM is another arena for the supermarket wars, and Coles beats Woolies in the ratings.

“Woolworth’s are rated ‘red’ on everything in the Truefood Guide,” said Kelly. “After announcing their biggest profit slump in 12 years, you would think Woolies would start responding to Australian consumers and farmers concerns on GM.

“Over 90% of Australians want GM food labelled. It’s time for the Government to tighten labelling regulations because we have the right to know what’s in our food,” said Kelly.

Notes:
(1) The 2011 Truefood Guide can be downloaded at
http://www.truefood.org.au/truefoodguide/
(2)
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/the-ingredients-that-dare-not-speak-their-name-20110225-1b8s2.html