Dozens of Forestry Corporation jobs are set to be cut across the North Coast, with more than 30 positions expected to go in Coffs Harbour, prompting criticism from local NSW Nationals MPs.
NSW Nationals Leader and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp have criticised the State Labor Government over the job losses, arguing they will have significant consequences for regional communities.
Forestry Corporation staff were advised by email of the planned cuts, which come as timber harvesting remains suspended in areas affected by the proposed Great Koala National Park.
The MPs said the loss of forestry jobs would extend beyond the workforce, affecting local businesses, contractors and regional economies already under pressure.
They also accused the Government of failing to deliver on its pre-election commitment to support regional workers transitioning from the native forestry industry.
The Nationals questioned the Government’s carbon credit strategy linked to the proposed Great Koala National Park, arguing it lacked a sound scientific basis.
They pointed to criticism from the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union, which has publicly argued the carbon accounting method underpinning the proposed park should be abandoned because it encourages forests to be locked up rather than actively managed.
The MPs also questioned how the Government would be able to generate carbon credits from the project while timber harvesting remains under a moratorium and Forestry Corporation’s workforce is being reduced.
They described the NSW timber industry as one of the world’s most sustainably managed, operating under strict environmental standards while supplying timber during a housing shortage.
The NSW Government has previously said the proposed Great Koala National Park aims to protect koala habitat while balancing environmental, social and economic outcomes. The Government has also committed to supporting affected workers and communities as decisions on the park’s future are finalised.
Forestry Corporation has not publicly detailed the reasons for the latest round of job cuts.
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