Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Robert Onfray worked for 33 years as a professional forester, land manager, and later oversaw land access in Queensland’s mining industry. Now retired, he devotes his time to historical research and writing, while also publishing monthly blogs on land management issues across Australia and sharing historical stories gathered during three years of travel around the country.
Robert's blog and books are on his website robertonfray.com and facebook.com/robertonfraywriter
0:00 Intro
0:32 The Story of the Pilliga
1:31 What Was the Pilliga Before It Became Forest?
3:35 Eric Rolls and A Million Wild Acres
6:07 Aboriginal Fire and the Open Grassland
9:07 Rabbits, Myxomatosis and the Great Regrowth
10:44 The Forestry Phase Begins
18:00 Environmentalism, Academics and the Wilderness Myth
22:02 Bob Carr, National Parks and the Koala Story
25:11 Benign Neglect and Fire Management
30:53 The Bigger Problem in Australian Forest Management
34:01 Climate Change or Failed Management?
35:08 Other Forests with the Same Problem
37:34 Closing – Robert’s Books and Blog
Join our channel membership here youtube.com/channel/UCqwPCs3NQjT-LM5x5r7gZOA/join
Dr Peter Ridd has been researching the Great Barrier Reef since 1984, has invented a range of advanced scientific instrumentation, and written over 100 scientific publications.
Since being fired by James Cook University for raising concerns about science quality assurance issues, Peter Ridd receives no payment for any of the work he does.
Also see facebook.com/ProjectforRealScienceReefRebels
Robert Onfray worked for 33 years as a professional forester, land manager, and later oversaw land access in Queensland’s mining industry. Now retired, he devotes his time to historical research and writing, while also publishing monthly blogs on land management issues across Australia and sharing historical stories gathered during three years of travel around the country.
Robert's blog and books are on his website robertonfray.com and facebook.com/robertonfraywriter
0:00 Intro
0:32 The Story of the Pilliga
1:31 What Was the Pilliga Before It Became Forest?
3:35 Eric Rolls and A Million Wild Acres
6:07 Aboriginal Fire and the Open Grassland
9:07 Rabbits, Myxomatosis and the Great Regrowth
10:44 The Forestry Phase Begins
18:00 Environmentalism, Academics and the Wilderness Myth
22:02 Bob Carr, National Parks and the Koala Story
25:11 Benign Neglect and Fire Management
30:53 The Bigger Problem in Australian Forest Management
34:01 Climate Change or Failed Management?
35:08 Other Forests with the Same Problem
37:34 Closing – Robert’s Books and Blog
Join our channel membership here youtube.com/channel/UCqwPCs3NQjT-LM5x5r7gZOA/join
Dr Peter Ridd has been researching the Great Barrier Reef since 1984, has invented a range of advanced scientific instrumentation, and written over 100 scientific publications.
Since being fired by James Cook University for raising concerns about science quality assurance issues, Peter Ridd receives no payment for any of the work he does.
Also see facebook.com/ProjectforRealScienceReefRebels
