The State Government is expanding support for businesses and workers affected by the timber harvesting moratorium within the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), with a stronger focus on helping North Coast communities manage the transition and protect local jobs.
The expanded support package aims to assist small businesses, contractors and families across the forestry supply chain who have experienced reduced trade, rising operating costs and uncertainty following disruptions to timber supply.
Originally announced in October 2025, the Government’s $5 million Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program is being broadened after consultation with local industry and communities.
Additional businesses, including engineers, chainsaw sales and sharpening service providers, machinery operators and other local contractors, may now be eligible for financial assistance.
The expanded program includes:
- Planning grants of up to $25,000 for professional advice and business planning to help operators assess future opportunities; and
- Transition grants of up to $250,000 to support businesses adapting to changing market conditions, including upgrading equipment, accessing legal or financial advice, and exploring new business models.
The application period has also been extended by six months to 8 September 2026, or until funding is fully allocated, giving affected businesses more time to seek assistance.
The State Government says the expanded support recognises the wider impact of the timber harvesting moratorium on regional communities beyond sawmills and harvesting operators.
Alongside support for businesses, the NSW Government has continued its worker assistance package to help employees and families navigate job losses and industry change.
The package includes:
- top-up redundancy payments of four weeks’ base pay for every year of employment with an affected timber mill or harvesting operator, capped at $150,000;
- additional payments for workers aged over 45;
- retraining and upskilling support of up to $9,000;
- relocation assistance of up to $45,000 for workers moving for new employment opportunities; and
- free mental health, financial and legal support for workers and their families through TELUS Health.
The Government has also committed $6 million to a separate community grants package aimed at supporting tourism, small business development and new economic opportunities across the Mid North Coast.
The funding is intended to help communities diversify local economies while creating new jobs linked to the future Great Koala National Park.
Further information about the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, is available at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forestry/establishing-the-great-koala-national-park.
“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.” said Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.
“Expanding this program gives downstream businesses the certainty and support they need.”
Minister for the North Coast and Small Business Janelle Saffin has welcomed the support.
“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.”
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