Source: Premier of New South Wales

The Most Comprehensive Forest Decision in NSW's History: Premier

Thursday, 12 November 1998

The Premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr, today announced the most comprehensive forest decision in the State’s history with about 380,000 hectares of north coast forests reserved, creating 85 new national parks and nature reserves and up to 160 new jobs.

"The NSW Labor Government has now declared a total of 151 new national parks and nature reserves since coming to office. This exceeds our election commitment of creating 24 new national parks by more than 600 per cent," he said.

"The North East Forest Agreement is the most historic decision in NSW.

"It is four times as big as the Wran Government’s 1982 rainforest decision of 89,500 hectares. And three times as big as the Wran Government’s total rainforest national park dedication between 1982-84 of 120,000 hectares.

"Today’s decision means almost 1 million hectares of precious forests across the State has been reserved for future generations by the Carr Government.

"It also delivers unprecedented security to the timber industry and workers. And incorporates a substantial industry assistance package.

"The decision is a fair and balanced outcome, following more than three years of detailed scientific analysis and stakeholder and community consultation.

Key features of the Upper and Lower North East Forest Agreements include:

• The addition of about 380,000 hectares of national parks and nature reserves;
• The creation of 85 new national parks and nature reserves and additions to 37 existing national parks and nature reserves;
• No net job losses, with the creation of up to 160 jobs in the coming years;
• A guarantee to industry of a minimum allocation of 129,000m³ in the Upper North East and 140,000m³ in the Lower North East for the next 20 years;
• A new Timber Industry Employment Taskforce to focus on regional development in the forest sector;
• $18 million over the next five years for private land acquisition;
• $5 million over the next five years for log haulage assistance, and;
• $30 million over the next five years for the development of hardwood plantations.

The Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Mr Craig Knowles, said the decision would provide security for all sections of the north coast community.

"This decision delivers on all key fronts — jobs, investment, and the creation of a world class reserve system.

The Minister for Forests, Mr Kim Yeadon, described the announcement as the most significant decision ever made by any NSW government to provide long-term security to the timber industry.

"The industry will now be able to build on the $22 million investment it has already announced since the Carr Government came to office.

The Minister for the Environment, Ms Pam Allan, welcomed the creation of 85 new national parks and nature reserves, saying it was another important win for the environment.

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