Forests NSW will invite the public to participate in the operation of its six retail nurseries which will be offered for lease by tender. 

The nurseries are located in Dubbo, Muswellbrook, Gunnedah, Narrandera, Wagga Wagga and West Pennant Hills. 

Forests NSW director of land management and forestry services Ross Dickson stressed Forests NSW is leasing its nursery businesses. 

“The tender process will provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in delivering comprehensive nursery services to these communities and will also provide a great opportunity for private sector investment in regional areas,”
Mr Dickson said.  

“Forests NSW as a Government Trading Enterprise is mainly charged with providing hardwood and softwood timber resources for sawmillers and timber processors across the State. 

“These nurseries grew out of providing seedlings for soil conservation and environmental plantings. 

“Over time these nurseries have evolved to be largely retail nurseries within the various regional communities. 

“As they are no longer part of Forests NSW’s core business, we believe they can perform a better service for regional communities as private operations.” 

The tender will be open to the public from 3 December and Forests NSW will co-ordinate the program. 

“Nursery staff will be invited to participate in the tender and Forests NSW will give preference to business tenders which look to re-employ the Forests NSW staff,” Mr Dickson said. 

“The tender framework will be designed to advantage proponents if they retain the services of affected nursery staff. 

“The program aims to encourage these nursery businesses to be retained and grow within their communities over the next five years. 

“At this stage none of these nurseries are programmed to close.” 

The tender process is expected to close in February.

Media contact: Lyndall Hilder 6391 3686 or 0409 383 423