The Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (IFOA) came into effect on November 16.

Over 3000 submissions from industry, environmentalists and the community were received during the consultation process for the new rules. 

The regulation governs how forestry operations can be carried out on state forests and crown timber lands in NSW.

NEFF members and Lorne residents Tom Ferrier and Jane McIntyre said majority of residents would be horrified by what the new regulations will mean for the Mid North Coast. 

In making the announcement, Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said the new Coastal IFOA delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to strike the right balance between the environment and industry.

“It strengthens environmental standards at the same time as providing long term security of wood supply, and certainty to investors and the industry,” he said. 

However Ms McIntyre is critical of the announcement and said people can expect to see a massive increase of clear-felled forest, logged in 45 hectare lots. 

“This is up from the previous limit of 0.25 hectares,” she said. 

Under the Coastal IFOA, intensive harvesting will occur in forests between Grafton and Taree in Northern NSW.

Forestry Corporation of NSW has identified a zone of about 140,000 hectares where intensive harvesting may occur. 

“Present mixed hardwood forest will be systematically converted to immature Blackbutt regrowth, with very limited habitat value,” Mr Ferrier said. 

“With the elimination of koala feed trees, such as Tallowwood and the absence of adequate old trees with hollows,  the koala and many other threatened species will continue to decline. 

“In addition a high percentage of currently protected old growth and rainforest areas will be heavily logged and their habitat value degraded.”

In announcing the new laws, Minister for the Environment and Heritage Gabrielle Upton said the Coastal IFOA prescribes minimum thresholds for the permanent protection of threatened species across the landscape, as well as in each harvesting site.

“These permanent protections provide improved protection for native plants, animals and their habitat, streams and aquatic habitat,” she said. 

However Mr Ferrier said logging is given the green light even when threatened species occur. 

“The new IFOAs have removed the need to check for majority of threatened species,” he said. 

Mr Ferrier said according to the National Parks Association, only 20 per cent of threatened species retain their current protection. 

“There has been no independent scientific review on the impact of the last 20 years of logging on threatened species,” he said.