What's happening
The National Park Estate (Great Koala National Park Reservations) Bill 2026 will add more than 178,000 hectares of state forest and other Crown land to the national park estate creating a significant addition to the NSW reserve system.
The Clean Energy Regulator has also approved the North East Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) carbon project under the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method.
Read more about the INFM method.
The Great Koala National Park will be a world-class destination on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. A carefully designed mix of reserve categories reflects conservation, culture and recreation. It will protect important koala habitat within a large and biodiverse landscape, while providing opportunities for people to connect with nature, culture and wildlife, attracting visitors and supporting local communities and the regional economy.
The government expects the Great Koala National Park to commence before the end of 2026.
Find out more about the Great Koala National Park.
Temporary moratorium on timber harvesting
A temporary moratorium on timber harvesting in state forests identified to become part of the new national park remains in place while key elements of this transition are finalised.
Private native forestry is still permitted with appropriate approvals.
Media releases
Support for timber industry businesses and workers
The NSW Government is working directly with businesses and workers affected by the reduction in timber supply resulting from the moratorium. Read more on these programs
Mental health, counselling and training services are also available to workers of impacted businesses. Find out more on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.
Support available for impacted workers
The NSW Government is working directly with businesses and staff that are affected by the reduction in timber supply resulting from the moratorium.
More about support for workers and industry
Transition plan and support for workers and industry
Information on the timber industry moratorium, worker support, and long-term transition planning.