The Minns Labor Government is providing $5 million in funding to support downstream businesses who have been impacted by the moratorium on timber harvesting within the proposed boundary of the Great Koala National Park.
The new Forestry Industry Supply Chain Program will offer help of up to $100,000 to a downstream business that relied on impacted timber mills so they can meet increased operating costs.
The eligible businesses usually source their hardwood or wood by-products from one of the impacted sawmills. They will now be able to apply for assistance to cover the cost differences of sourcing similar products from a new supplier, including for an increase in freight costs.
Downstream businesses could include specialised, operations that process timber into finished or semi-finished goods, such as furniture manufacturers.
Eligible businesses could also include businesses that use sawdust for biomass energy generation, or use eligible wood by-products such as wood chip, wood shavings, and sawdust.
The NSW Government is working closely with the impacted mills businesses, workers and the broader industry on immediate costs and impacts, while progressing their long-term options and ensuring appropriate support for workers.
Immediate support already being offered to affected workers and their families includes:
- Business Continuity payments flowing to impacted mills to ensure workers are being paid while further support is being finalised
- The Rural Financial Counselling Service providing free and independent financial counselling to businesses
- Training Services NSW providing advice on training to bridge skills gaps and helping to identify suitable job opportunities
- TELUS Health services providing 24/7 confidential mental health and financial counselling services to affected workers and their immediate family.
The NSW Government has also committed $6 million to a Community Grants package which will provide support to small businesses and the community on the Mid North Coast, creating new jobs and investment. Further details will be announced soon.
The NSW Rural Assistance Authority is administering the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Program. Applications will open on Tuesday 7 October 2025 and close on 8 December 2025, or when available funding is allocated.
For further information about the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program, including eligibility and guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/greatkoalanationalpark
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"Our Government's priority has been supporting the impacted mills and their workers, and now we have more details on those businesses operating downstream of the mills we have been able to develop this program of support for them.
"When we announced the proposed boundaries and moratorium for the new park we stated we would provide financial assistance to impacted businesses and this supply chain support program is a demonstration of that occurring.
Minister for Small Business and Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:
"We are delivering on our election promise to create the Great Koala National park and ensure future generations can see these most precious of species in the wild.
"We are also delivering on our promise to work together to ensure no one is left behind. This decision will ensure downstream small businesses are supported as they search for new opportunities.
"There will also new opportunities created for tourism and small business under a $6 million package that we will develop in consultation with local communities to grow jobs and investment as the Great Koala National Park is established.
