Coffs Council seeks to reinvest $300m GKNP carbon credits locally

COFFS Harbour City Council Council unanimously supported a motion by Councillor Jonathan Cassell at its meeting on 29 January.

The motion supports, in principle, the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) carbon method, recognising its economic potential and environmental benefits when applied to the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP).

Council resolved to note that carbon credit schemes applied to native forests can result in long-term land-use and management obligations, with direct environmental, social and economic impacts and benefits for local communities.

It also acknowledged that any carbon credit approach must address environmental integrity and intergenerational equity.

Council further resolved to support engagement with Traditional Owners, local communities and other stakeholders for any Improved Native Forest Management.

A key aspect of the motion was for Council to lodge a submission to the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.

The submission advocates that any carbon credit framework must ensure reinvestment that guarantees all carbon revenue is directed to directly affected local government areas.

It also requires that revenue is transparently reinvested in environmental management, regional tourism, employment and community resilience.

It seeks to ensure that long-term environmental outcomes and regional employment impacts are addressed.

Cr Cassell said the City’s submission makes a strong case for reinvesting any carbon revenue back into the GKNP, emphasising that koala protection remains the park’s core purpose.

“Protecting koalas is the primary purpose of the Great Koala National Park,” he said, noting that a carbon credit offset program is not required to achieve that outcome.

He noted, however, that the NSW Government has applied to the Federal Government for a carbon credit scheme and, if successful, it could generate hundreds of millions of dollars.

As a result, Council agreed it was important to have a say in ensuring any revenue raised is reinvested back into the park.

Councillor Tony Judge supported the motion, highlighting the potential economic and environmental benefits for the region.

“There is potential for the GKNP to generate up to $300m in carbon credits, along with the obvious environmental benefits,” he said.

He said Councillor Cassell’s motion was about ensuring that a portion of that revenue is retained locally to enhance the park, create jobs and grow the local economy.

“I am glad that Councillors put aside the politics for the benefit of the community we serve,” Cr Judge said, adding that the GKNP presents significant opportunities for the Coffs region.

Cr Cassell said he raised the motion despite having ethical concerns about carbon offset programs, noting that the GKNP will proceed regardless of whether carbon credits are applied.

He said that, if an offset program is introduced, it is critical that the benefits flow back to the local community and environment.

“But,” he said, “it’s worth asking what good will $300m over 15 years bring if it in any way extends the life of the heavily polluting fossil fuel industry, which is causing catastrophic heatwaves, droughts and bushfires?”

However, the resolution commits Council to lodging a submission to the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.

It advocates for transparent governance and strong engagement with Traditional Owners and communities.

The resolution also calls for guaranteed local reinvestment of carbon revenue and long-term environmental and employment outcomes for the full duration of any permanence obligations.

By Andrew VIVIAN