Great Southern Forest

Great Southern Forest

 

Right now, native forests in southern NSW are being logged at an industrial scale, primarily for woodchips, putting our unique ecosystems and wildlife at risk. The Great Southern Forest is once-in-a-generation alternative that could reverse the fate of these forests and see them thrive again. 

This vision would end native forest logging in public forests and connect them with existing national parks and reserves creating a massive, 1.2-million-hectare, multi-use reserve from the Illawarra to the Victorian border 

Why the Great Southern Forest

 

Right now, native forests in southern NSW are being logged at an industrial scale, primarily for woodchips, putting our unique ecosystems and wildlife at risk. The Great Southern Forest is once-in-a-generation alternative that could reverse the fate of these forests and see them thrive again. 

This vision would end native forest logging in public forests and connect them with existing national parks and reserves creating a massive, 1.2-million-hectare, multi-use reserve from the Illawarra to the Victorian border 

Why the Great Southern Forest is the best possible alternative: 

  • Boosts Local Economies: NSW National Parks already bring in over $19 billion annually to regional towns. This proposal will shift jobs toward sustainable tourism, outdoor recreation, and forest management. 

  • Open for Everyone: It unlocks world-class bushwalking, camping, mountain biking, and horse riding, and introduces Regional Parks so you can walk your dog close to home. 

  • Protects at-Risk Wildlife: It secures the future for the Platypus, Greater Glider, and 61 other threatened animal species. 

  • Cares for Country: It supports vital land management partnerships with First Nations people, recognizing their deep connection to these landscapes. 

  

No private land is included. This is about reimagining how we use our public forests.

 

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Great Southern Forest Business Statement

The proposed 365,000-hectare Great Southern Forest represents a vital investment in the South Coast, directly supporting local businesses and regional communities. Tourism and nature-based recreation are already massive economic drivers; the region welcomed 10.3 million visitors and generated $4.2 billion in expenditure in 2025, accounting for at least one in ten local jobs. 

The Great Southern Forest will elevate the region's profile, driving commercial growth for nature-based tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation, while supporting existing activities. Furthermore, the proposal opens up crucial avenues for First Nations partnerships in management and cultural tourism, while recognising their deep connection with Country. Securing this reserve ensures a resilient, sustainable economic future that benefits local businesses and communities alike.