The Pilliga and Goonoo have now officially been recognised by the NSW Government who stated, "these forests are the last significant remnants of their kind in western NSW". Both areas have been effectively earmarked for significant protection by the end of 2002, with the completion of the BBS assessment.

The Environment Statement identifies a variety of options for future conservation outcomes in the region. As part of its "integrated conservation network", conservation options will include new national parks and reserves, "new conservation measures in State Forests" as well as other incentives for private land. The Government also announced a commitment to a forestry "industry adjustment package to create a sustainable value-adding industry, including moving towards plantations."

The dedication of new reserves, however, is still not in the clear for the BBS without the interests of the Department of Mineral Resources being catered for. One option which has been discussed at the Minister level is a new category of Crown reserve, administered by NPWS but allowing exploration and mining activities. NSW State Forests are also still lobbying to have additional flora reserves declared under State Forest management.

Both of these alternatives must be considered as second-best options for conservation. State Forests have no credible management record for flora reserves apart from just leaving them alone. Also, a reserve which allows for mining activities has the potential to compromise those very natural values that the reserve is designed to protect. This is particularly pertinent in the Pilliga, where there has already been substantial damage done to forest adjacent to gas-drill sites from spilled salty water.