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Logging halted in NSW state forests with 'koala hubs' slated
The Minns government has halted logging in more than 100 sections of state forest on the NSW Mid North Coast, as it looks to set up a koala safe haven.
The creation of the Great Koala National Park was a key election commitment from Labor, with land now being assessed for protection.
The 106 "koala hubs", which cover 8400 hectares within the area slated for the park, have been identified as showing strong evidence of multi-generational, high-density populations of the iconic animal.
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Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said its establishment is a crucial part of an overall koala protection strategy.
"The creation of the Great Koala National Park is essential to saving koalas from extinction in NSW," Sharpe said.
Forestry operations were paused on September 1, with the government now moving to ensure timber supply and jobs are maintained.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said an independent economic and social assessment has been ordered to consider the park's impacts on local jobs and communities.
"The government commits to working closely with the industry to develop a blueprint for the future timber sector that accommodates both the park and the production of timber products," she said.
