UPDATE: The NSW government has just announced a significant pause in timber harvesting as it reveals plans for the new Great Koala National Park. This ambitious initiative aims to reserve 176,000 hectares of state forest, ultimately creating a massive 476,000-hectare sanctuary for over 12,000 koalas in northern New South Wales.
The announcement comes amid urgent calls for conservation, as Premier Chris Minns highlights the grave risk of koalas facing extinction in the region. “We’ve listened carefully and we’re making sure workers, businesses and communities are supported every step of the way,” Minns stated during the press conference on Sunday.
As part of this initiative, timber harvesting within the park’s proposed boundaries will officially pause starting Monday, impacting six out of 25 timber mills and approximately 300 jobs. Critics warn that this drastic move will severely affect local economies. Dugald Saunders, leader of the NSW Nationals, condemned the plan as a “crushing blow” for families and businesses, asserting that it could trigger a ripple effect through industries like building, mining, and energy.
Opposition spokesman Gurmesh Singh expressed concern, stating, “This decision will hurt our communities in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, ripping out valuable jobs that allow people to put food on the table.” The timber industry had proposed a more manageable 37,000 hectares for the park, but the government has opted for the larger footprint, raising alarm among local workers.
In response to the industry’s concerns, Tara Moriarty, the Agriculture Minister, assured that the government is committed to a sustainable forestry industry. “We will provide financial assistance to businesses we know will be impacted,” she stated, emphasizing that this support will help cover salaries and operational costs for affected employees. Mental health, financial, and legal counseling services will also be made available for workers and their families.
The establishment of the park is set to receive an additional $60 million in funding, supplementing an earlier $80 million investment made in 2023. There are also discussions at the federal level regarding potential carbon credits that could arise from the park, which the NSW government claims will be crucial for its final creation.
However, conservation groups have voiced criticism over perceived delays in the park’s establishment, which the government had pledged to finalize by 2027.
“Really important areas of the proposed new national park are being logged… effectively destroyed forever,”
warned Bob Debus, chair of Wilderness Australia.
On the other hand, the Australian Workers Union has praised the government for taking the necessary time to gather input from stakeholders. “We can have sufficient forestry area for koalas to prosper and we can have a viable, responsible timber industry,” said secretary Tony Callinan.
As this story develops, the implications of the Great Koala National Park will be closely monitored by both conservationists and industry leaders alike. The urgency of these discussions highlights the delicate balance between wildlife protection and economic stability in regional communities. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue.
