The Minns Labor Government is expanding support to more downstream businesses impacted by the moratorium on timber harvesting within the boundary of the Great Koala National Park.
In October 2025, the Government announced the $5 million Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program, which provides financial support to eligible businesses facing higher operating costs after wood supply was interrupted by the Great Koala National Park timber harvesting moratorium.
In response to industry feedback, 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 including for:
- Planning - Up to $25,000 to cover the costs of professional advice and business planning to support businesses make informed decisions about their future, and
- Transition - Up to $250,000 to help eligible businesses implement their plans, including activities that support transitioning to a new business model such as 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.
To further support downstream businesses, the existing funding program has also been extended by six months to 8 September 2026 or when available funding is fully allocated. This will provide businesses with additional time to make applications to the fund.
The Minns Government has worked closely with affected mills, providing financial support to help businesses and their employees manage disruptions to wood supply agreements.
In addition to payments to the mills, the NSW Government has also provided a comprehensive worker support package including:
- Top-up redundancy payments - employees will receive four weeks of base pay (inclusive of employer redundancy payment) per year of employment with an impacted timber mill or harvesting operator, capped at $150,000.
- Additional support for employees over 45 years of age - a further three weeks of pay for every year of service after the age of 45 (up to a cap of $50,000), to be calculated separately from the top up redundancy payment
- Education and training payments - of up to $9,000 for retraining and upskilling.
- Relocation payments - of up to $45,000 for affected workers who move more than 50 kilometres for new employment.
- Free access to mental health support, and financial and legal guidance - TELUS Health are the contracted organisation to assist affected workers and their immediate families.
In addition to the $5 million Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program and the Forestry Industry Worker Support Program, the Minns Government has committed $6 million to a Community Grants package.
This grants package will support new opportunities for tourism and small businesses on the Mid North Coast, in consultation with local communities.
For further information about the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Programs, including eligibility and guidelines, go to https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forestry/establishing-the-great-koala-national-park.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"By helping operators access expert advice and transition funding, we're ensuring businesses can make informed decisions and giving them practical options for their future.
"Expanding this program gives downstream businesses the certainty and support they need."
Minister for the North Coast and Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
"We have listened to the local community and are expanding this package to ensure that the small businesses and contractors who keep the North Coast moving are well supported during this transition.
"This is a major opportunity for our region, and we are committed to helping local businesses adapt so they can share in the long-term economic benefits and jobs this new park will bring to our backyard."
