Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program - Planning and Transition Grants Frequently Asked Questions

The NSW Government is providing additional support to help downstream businesses develop plans that guide operational decisions as work to establish the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) continues.

The Government is expanding the program to make additional businesses in the supply chain experiencing reduced trade or increased operating costs potentially eligible for financial assistance. Under the expanded program, additional eligible businesses, such as engineers, chainsaw sales and sharpening service providers, machinery operators and other impacted contracting businesses will now be able to access funding.

Through the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program – Planning and Transition Grants, affected supply chain businesses can access assistance to assess their options and manage any transition required.

Two grant options are available, and businesses may apply for one or both:

• Business planning grants – Up to a maximum of $25,000 (GST exclusive) per eligible applicant to obtain professional business planning advice.
• Transition support grants – Up to a maximum of $250,000 (GST exclusive) per eligible applicant, available once a business plan is completed, to help cover the costs for diversifying, downscaling or closing a business. This could include costs for the purchase or upgrade of equipment and machinery, advice on tax, legal and marketing strategies, as well as other transition costs such as disposal or site remediation. For business closure, a letter from a professional financial adviser can be provided instead of a full business plan. 

You may be eligible if your business has been significantly affected by the GKNP moratorium — for example, if you have had a major reduction in wood supply (50% or more), a substantial drop in revenue, or increased operating costs linked to dealings with an impacted sawmill or harvest or haulage contractor.

To apply, your business must:

• Operate as a sole trader, partnership, trust, company, incorporated association or co‑operative in Australia
• Have an active ABN
• Be registered for GST
• Be located in New South Wales

You must also meet one of the following:

• You previously received approval under the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program, or
• You can show evidence of more than a 25% drop in revenue or more than a 25% increase in operating costs due to impacts from the GKNP moratorium.

Applications are assessed in the order they are received. Each eligible business can access up to $25,000 for a business planning grant and $250,000 for a transition grant, whether applied for separately or together.

Applications close at 4pm on 8 September 2026, unless funding is exhausted earlier.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development aims to notify applicants within 5 business days of receiving a complete application.

Program guidelines for this and other support measures related to the establishment of the Great Koala National Park are available.

Email: forestryindustrysupport@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Telephone: 1800 678 593 Option 2, Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm