Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, has urged the NSW Government to back a new future for the North Coast timber industry following confirmation that the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) will proceed to its full proposed boundaries.
The decision has already halted deliveries under Pentarch’s long-term Wood Supply Agreement, putting more than 250 regional jobs in immediate jeopardy.
“This is outrageous, the mill at Heron’s Creek which is the largest mill in NSW is 150klms from the Great Koala National Park. 90 percent of their timber is not sourced from the GKNP yet has lost its contract, it just doesn’t make sense”, Mr Dwyer said.
“The focus must shift from redundancies and compensation to a North Coast Timber Manufacturing Revival Plan—a strategy that delivers on the Government’s environmental commitments while ensuring no net job losses across the region.
“Pentarch is one of the North Coast’s largest manufacturing employers. Our priority must be protecting their workforce and strengthening the region’s industrial base.
“There is still time to secure a future that supports jobs, housing supply and a modern bio-economy, while at the same time protecting the future of koalas—but only if we act now. I believe if managed, funded and planned properly, we could have the best of both worlds,” Mr Dwyer said.
Pentarch has put forward four major investment projects designed to safeguard long-term employment and drive economic growth:
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A new 40,000m³ hardwood supply contract to enable retooling of the Herons Creek mill for high-value decorative timber products.
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A new plantation-based softwood mill at Koolkhan, ensuring mature local plantation resources are processed locally and providing essential materials for the housing sector.
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A biochar and bioenergy facility at Koolkhan, developed with BlueScope, to replace coal in steelmaking and reduce heavy vehicle traffic through expanded rail freight.
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A prefabricated housing manufacturing plant at Herons Creek, modelled on Pentarch’s new 2,000-homes-per-year facility in Orange, to address critical housing needs across the Mid Coast.
The revival plan would protect existing jobs, strengthen local engineering capability—including firms such as AE Gibson & Sons—reduce the export of unprocessed timber, and lower the Government’s costs associated with industry contraction.
Mr Dwyer said he is working closely with Pentarch to try and secure Government cooperation, including new supply arrangements, transitional support for regional engineering businesses, streamlined approvals, and coordinated engagement with Forestry Corporation and relevant agencies.
“Pentarch is ready to invest, ready to innovate and ready to secure long-term employment on the North Coast.
“This is an opportunity to build—not dismantle—regional industry,” Mr Dwyer said.
