NSW Commits to Halt Logging in 176,000 Hectares, Protecting Koalas and Gliders

In a significant move, the New South Wales government has announced plans to halt timber harvesting on 176,000 hectares of state forests, which will become part of the Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast. This decision, made as of October 1st, 2025, is a major step towards protecting the habitat of over 12,000 koalas, 36,000 greater gliders, and more than 100 other threatened species that call these native forests home.

The Great Koala National Park is being hailed as a "gamechanger" by WWF-Australia's CEO, Dermot O'Gorman. He believes that if this can be achieved on the Mid North Coast, it can be replicated in other parts of the state. This announcement comes amidst growing public opposition to native forest logging, with recent polling showing that 69% of Australians are against the practice.

The article delves into the real costs of native forest logging in NSW, which go beyond just the environmental impact. It highlights the economic and cultural implications, noting that 90% of the volume of logs harvested in Australia is already sourced from plantations, reducing the need for native logging. The transition away from native logging is not only possible but could also support more than 1,200 jobs, offsetting any losses in the industry.

As the state moves towards a plantations-based timber industry, the article emphasizes the importance of a just transition for workers and regional communities. The true cost of native logging in NSW is not just environmental, but also a matter of economic sense, cultural survival, and climate responsibility. With the Great Koala National Park announcement, NSW is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for its forests and the species that depend on them.