In the past few months, Forest Alliance NSW has been meeting weekly to share insights, identify opportunities and collaborate across campaigns. There is a strong sense of shared purpose, with groups coordinating media responses, sharing intel and moving quickly when new opportunities or threats emerge. It is the most aligned the Forest movement has been in years, and we are excited to share some major wins and our focus for the weeks ahead.
Key campaign wins
Great Koala National Park
The announcement of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) is a landmark victory for forests, koalas and communities in NSW. Logging has been halted within the proposed park boundary while the full transition is finalised.
The final plan protects 176,000 hectares of state forest, on top of existing reserves, creating a total network of over 475,000 hectares.The GKNP is expected to safeguard roughly one-fifth of NSW’s remaining koala population, along with more than 100 threatened species including greater gliders, the powerful owl, yellow-bellied gliders and others.
More info here: 20% of state’s koalas protected from logging in new “Great Koala NationalPark”
Tallaganda prosecutions
Forestry Corporation has been charged over alleged illegal logging in Tallaganda State Forest, a major victory for forest defences and activists across the south coast.Logging trucks have left the forest and for now, this beautiful area seems to be protected.
However, this prosecution is only the tip of the iceberg. There are currently nine other open investigations into Forestry Corporation, and more than $2 million in fines have been issued over the past four years. One case we expect to hear a verdict on soon is illegal logging in Wild Cattle Creek, which now sits within the boundary of the Great Koala National Park.
Redbank biomass proposal
In a huge win, the Independent Planning Commission rejected Verdant Earth Technologies’ proposal to use native vegetation for biomass energy at the Redbank Power Station. Verdant had proposed burning up to 700,000 tonnes of native vegetation each year to produce electricity.
The Commission found significant environmental risks. Thank you to everyone who made submissions opposing the plan. Verdant could appeal or resubmit, so we will continue to monitor this closely.
The IPC’s decision cited serious deficiencies in the proposal’s handling of environmental impacts, including how the fuel strategy would incentivise further clearing and encroach upon habitat for native species. A huge thanks to the 594 people who made public submissions, with over 94.6% of people opposing the proposal.
Campaign updates
EPBC Reform & Logging Regulations
The federal government is reviewing Australia’s environment laws through reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. One of the biggest gaps is that logging carried out under Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) is exempt from federal environmental assessment. This loophole has allowed widespread damage to threatened species habitat across NSW.
The Forest Alliance is preparing policy advice and correspondence calling for the removal of RFA exemptions so that native forest logging is subject to the same environmental scrutiny as other industries.
Greater Glider Recovery Plan
The federal government is developing a new national recovery plan for the Greater Glider, one of Australia’s most threatened forest species. The plan will guide how governments and land managers protect and restore glider habitat over the coming decade. At present, forestry operations are largely exempt, and the draft plan risks being too broad to drive real change.
The Forest Alliance is working to ensure the recovery plan delivers genuine protection for glider habitat, including identifying and safeguarding high-value areas. We are preparing a coordinated submission and a scientist sign-on letter calling for stronger commitments, including mapping and protection of key glider landscapes across NSW.
FIOP Process and Logging Regulation Changes
The NSW Government’s Forest Industry Options Paper (FIOP) process will shape the future of native forest management in the state. It is meant to identify pathways for industry transition and forest protection, but so far progress has been slow and largely behind closed doors.
For the Forest Alliance, this is a critical opportunity to make the case for a genuine transition to a sustainable plantation-based timber industry that supports regional jobs without destroying native forests.
Our focus is on demonstrating that the current model is economically and environmentally unsustainable, and that the pathway forward lies in investment in plantation timber, mill modernisation, and new employment opportunities in restoration, tourism, and carbon projects. The Alliance is preparing materials for MPs and the FIOP process to highlight the evidence for this transition and to counter pressure from industry lobby groups calling for the status quo to continue.
South Coast Convergence and Regional Strategy
Planning is underway for a South Coast convergence later this year, bringing together local groups, scientists and campaigners to plan the next phase of regional forest protection. The aim is to strengthen collaboration and develop a clear political strategy for key South Coast electorates ahead of 2026. Invitations and an agenda will follow.
Planning is underway for mid-November, with invitations and agenda to follow soon. The convergence will include updates on regional forest campaigns, opportunities to coordinate local actions, and ways to increase pressure on MPs in key seats.
Stay connected
If you or your group has any question, ideas, updates or media stories, please send them to Clancy at [email protected].
Thank you for the ongoing collaboration and support across the Alliance. Our cooperation is one of our greatest strengths and it is making a real difference for forests in NSW.
Forest Alliance Member Groups
- Nature Conservation Council of NSW
- WWF-Australia
- Wilderness Australia
- North East Forest Alliance
- Brooman State Forest Conservation Group
- The Wilderness Society
- National Parks Association of NSW
- South East Forest Rescue
- Bob Brown Foundation