The new Northern NSW Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice introduced by the Nationals in NSW Government should help the local timber industry turbocharge flood recovery construction in the Clarence and Richmond Valleys, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

“We’ve waited for this for a while and it’s a timely announcement given the difficulties the mills are having in getting a log supply,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“That supply is critical given the reconstruction work that is required to rebuild Clarence and Richmond Valley lives and communities after the floods.”

The new Code aims to provide certainty for local landholders and includes simplified operating standards while also allowing landholder to achieve better forest management and environmental outcomes.

Mr Gulaptis said landholders would receive increased support and engagement with Local Land Services during the planning stages of forest management.

“Ultimately, these codes will allow farm forestry to continue supporting our economy and communities through timber supply chains, employment, and continue to deliver environmental benefits on private land,” Mr Gulaptis said.

The new PNF Codes provide increased protections for koalas in areas of high-value habitat consistent with Government’s commitment, while providing certainty and consistency for primary producers.

The protections in the PNF Codes are accompanied by the toughest penalties in Australia for causing harm to threatened species, with penalties of up to $1.65 million or 2 years imprisonment for harming a threatened species in New South Wales including koalas.

The new PNF Codes will come into effect on Monday, 2 May 2022 and are part of the final stage of the Private Native Forestry Review which commenced in 2018.