NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe is in Coffs Harbour to advance plans for the Great Koala National Park, which will protect a nationally critical koala population and more than 100 threatened species.
The Minister said the creation of the park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only save vital habitat from extinction but build a world class tourist destination that protects the environment while boosting tourism and the local economy.
The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method. This is progressing following public consultation in January. The method is expected to be considered by the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.
“The Great Koala National Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape,” said Minister Sharpe.
“The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature‑based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast.”
The Minister will meet with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour. For the first time, the park will appoint NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers.
The area is a significant cultural landscape for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples including places of creation, ceremony and spirituality, traditional camps, resource gathering areas and pathways.
Extensive preparation is underway to ensure the park is ready from day one, including:
- Boosting firefighting capacity with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation NSW through more fire fighters, new equipment like fire trucks and early detection technologies.
- Refining park boundaries for the best conservation possibilities and working with local tourism, counil and other partners to unlock new visitor and recreation opportunities.
- Preparing legislation to reserve the Great Koala National Park in late 2026.
