Coffs Harbour councillors have voted to ensure a proposed new carbon project in the Great Koala National Park delivers maximum benefits for the local community.
Council passed a motion at its last meeting backing the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method - a carbon crediting system that would see public native forests protected for their carbon values with revenue from the projects funding fire management, forest restoration and tourism infrastructure.
Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation spokesman Wilson Harris congratulated councillors for supporting a new industry in the Coffs Harbour area.
"It's great to see local councils participating in this process and ensuring that money from carbon projects is invested locally in things like bush fire management and regional economic development," Mr Harris said.
Mr Harris said the economic case was compelling compared to the status quo.
"INFM could generate $250 million over 15 years for the GKNP area," he said.
"This would deliver six times the current per-hectare spend on state forest management - money that could be well spent on fire and pest management."
Economic modelling shows 370 jobs could be created managing the carbon project and forest if revenue is reinvested locally - providing a clear transition pathway for forestry workers.
"These are real jobs in forest management, ecological restoration, fire prevention and carbon project administration," Mr Harris said.
"The environmental and climate benefits come with a major economic upside.
"These types of forest carbon projects deliver real benefits in forestry regions in the United States and elsewhere. They work for communities, and now Coffs has a chance to be at the forefront of a new regional industry for the country. It's a perfect opportunity for the Coffs region to get in on the ground floor and benefit from resources and expertise in the local community."
Polling shows 60% of Cowper voters back the Great Koala National Park, with only 30% opposed. The same polling found 58% support generating carbon credits if proceeds fund park and fire management and employ local workers.
The Australian Government's Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) has the INFM method under technical assessment. Public consultation closed on 30 January.
