NSW Great Southern Forest Park proposal sparks job loss fears

The Great Southern Forest National Park proposal, put forward by the National Parks Association of NSW, would protect almost 1.2 million hectares of native forest from the Illawarra to the Victorian border.

Local opposition warns the plan could eliminate hundreds of jobs in the forestry sector and associated industries. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MLC Mark Banasiak said the National Parks Association estimates 80‑100 direct forestry employees could be affected, but the wider supply chain could see many more layoffs. He described the proposal as “a shocking idea that will only hurt the South Coast economy, end the forestry sector and all public‑land hunting access.”

A community information session is scheduled for 1 August at the Dunn Lewis Centre in Ulladulla, with Shoalhaven mayor Patricia White, councillor Brett Steele and Banasiak expected to speak.