The Clarence Valley Council has voted 7–2 to reject NSW Government plans to establish a 176,000‑hectare Koala Park, backing a motion put forward by Councillor Allison Bryant.
“On Saturday, the 7th of September, the State Labor Government shut down large parts of our timber industry by announcing they are locking up 176,000 hectares of state forest. This poor decision puts at risk the jobs of 5,500 people in the Clarence Valley and neighbouring region, whilst also removing 40% of the state’s hardwood supply,” Councillor Bryant told council members in Maclean today. “Not only will this impact the timber industry, but it will have a rolling impact on others – from the mechanics, to housing, infrastructure and everyday products.”
In September, NSW Premier Chris Minns revealed that vast tracts of working forest on NSW’s North Coast could be permanently closed under a supersized Great Koala National Park, which, combined with existing national parks, will form a 476,000-hectare conservation area. “Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable,” the Premier said. “The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around. We’ve listened carefully and we’re making sure workers, businesses and communities are supported every step of the way.”
However, the announcement left thousands of workers in limbo, with more than a hundred timber workers — and their work boots — staging a vigil in nearby Lismore to mourn the loss of a 150‑year‑plus industry. At the time, Alison Rudman, NSW Secretary of the NTFU, said the vigil was “to mourn the timber jobs lost and to show our respect for the workers whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the decision.”
Wood Central understands that Councillor Bryant’s motion called for:
- Oppose in full the NSW Government’s proposal to transition 176,000HA of State Forest to National Park.
- Note the immense community concerns over job and business loss, and increase in bushfire risk.
- Write to the Premier, Minister Sharpe, and Local Members of Parliament to convey Council’s opposition and concerns to the park going ahead.
- Write to City of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen Shire, Nambucca Shire, Port Macquarie Hastings Shire, and Kempsey Shire councils to seek support in joint opposition to the proposal due to its immense negative impact to our region and its communities.
- Work closely with the member councils of the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation to urge the NSW Government to establish a North Coast timber industry manufacturing revival plan.
This latest vote follows a 7–1 decision in late 2023 to reject a motion banning native forestry in NSW’s North‑East. At that time, more than 3,400 submissions were received — the vast majority in favour of continuing native forestry.
Please note: The publisher of Wood Central has sent a comment to Penny Sharp’s office for comment.
