The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) has applauded the Minns Government’s decision to establish the full 176,000 hectares of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), describing it as one of the state’s most significant environmental achievements in decades.
“Today’s announcement of the Great Koala National Park is one of the most significant conservation victories in NSW in decades,” NCC CEO Jacqui Mumford said. “We are thrilled that from tomorrow, 176,000 hectares of precious native forest, accounting for 20% of NSW’s koala population, will be protected from logging.”
Calling the move “a win for nature and the local community,” the credit was given to more than a decade of advocacy by communities, scientists and environmental groups. “This park will be a defining legacy of the Minns Government, helping to secure a future for the iconic koala and building on the proud history of Labor governments creating world‑class National Parks,” she said. “This park will connect World Heritage‑listed areas, creating wildlife corridors across the mid north coast.”
While criticising the continuation of “unsustainable logging” since the election, Ms Mumford said the announcement marked “a turning point” and praised the government for delivering on its promise in full. “With over 90% of timber products already sourced from plantations, there is no justification for logging our public native forests,” she said.
The NCC also welcomed the government’s transition package, which will help regional communities adapt to the change. “The transition package announced today provides the opportunity to build a sustainable, long‑term future for regional NSW, with secure jobs in bushfire preparedness, ecological management and restoration, ecotourism and plantation forestry,” she said. “Together, we can protect koalas and support communities with sustainable, long‑term employment.”
