The New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced significant progress in its commitment to protect koalas, revealing the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park. This initiative, unveiled on National Threatened Species Day, aims to safeguard the future of koalas in the wild, where they face extinction by 2050 without intervention.
The proposed park will encompass 176,000 hectares of state forest and connect with existing national parks to create a vast reserve of approximately 476,000 hectares. This area is expected to protect over 12,000 koalas, 36,000 Greater Gliders, and provide habitat for more than 100 other threatened species. The announcement emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as the government underscores the necessity of taking action to preserve these iconic animals.
To facilitate this transition, the NSW Government has imposed a temporary moratorium on timber harvesting within the proposed park boundaries, effective from September 8, 2025. Approximately 300 jobs across six out of more than 25 timber mills in the region will be impacted. In response, the government is implementing a comprehensive support plan for affected workers and businesses. This includes JobKeeper-style payments to help cover salaries and financial assistance for business operating costs.
Additionally, workers and their families will receive immediate access to free mental health, financial, and legal counselling services, as well as training support. The government has reached out to every affected mill to discuss long-term options and ensure adequate support for workers as the transition unfolds.
Chris Minns, Premier of NSW, highlighted the critical nature of the initiative, stating, “Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable. The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to assist workers, businesses, and communities throughout the process.
The financial backing for this project is substantial. The government has allocated $6 million to foster new opportunities for tourism and small businesses along the Mid North Coast, ensuring that local communities benefit as the park is established. This funding package will be developed in consultation with local stakeholders to maximize job creation and investment.
In addition, the NSW Government is providing $60 million to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, supplementing the $80 million announced in 2023 for the establishment of the park. The project’s finalization depends on the successful registration of a carbon project under the Improved Native Forest Management Method, which is currently under review by the Federal Government.
The establishment of the Great Koala National Park followed extensive consultations with industry and community stakeholders, alongside a detailed expert assessment process. The government expressed gratitude to all parties involved for their contributions and patience during the planning phase.
Despite the establishment of the park, the government reassured stakeholders that forestry operations will continue in the North Coast region. The Independent Forestry Panel remains engaged, providing advice to inform the ongoing Forestry Industry Action Plan.
Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment, reflected on the long-term vision for the area, stating, “The Great Koala National Park has been a dream for more than a decade. It will ensure koalas survive into the future so our grandchildren will still be able to see them in the wild.”
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting impacted workers and businesses, ensuring they can navigate this transition effectively. “Our government’s priority is to fully support impacted workers with payments and services during this major change,” she stated.
Minister for the North Coast and Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin emphasized the economic potential of the park, saying, “This will deliver the protection of our most precious and loved species, our koalas, that everyone in NSW wants to see protected; and the Greater Koala National Park will also provide an economic boon for locals and businesses alike.”
The government’s proactive approach aims to balance environmental conservation with economic stability, ensuring that no community member is left behind as the Great Koala National Park is established. More information about the park and ongoing developments can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/greatkoalanationalpark.
