Huge tracts of working forest on NSW’s North Coast will be permanently closed under a supersized Great Koala National Park, after Premier Chris Minns confirmed the creation of a 176,000-hectare reserve, which, combined with existing national parks, will form a 476,000-hectare conservation area — the largest in the world dedicated to koala protection.
“Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable,” Mr Minns told media this morning. “The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around. We’ve listened carefully and we’re making sure workers, businesses and communities are supported every step of the way.”
The park, which will not include any old-growth forests — already protected for more than two decades — will, according to the premier, safeguard more than 12,000 koalas, 36,000 greater gliders and habitat for over 100 other threatened species and will be established through a $60 million investment in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, in addition to $80 million announced in 2023.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the park would protect “amazing old-growth forests” ranked among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. “The Great Koala National Park has been a dream for more than a decade,” she said. “It will ensure koalas survive into the future so our grandchildren will still be able to see them in the wild. These amazing old-growth forests are among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots – home to more than 100 threatened species, including greater gliders, the powerful owl and yellow-bellied gliders.”
Wood Central understands that a temporary moratorium on timber harvesting within the proposed boundary will take effect from tomorrow (8 September 2025), directly impacting six of the 25 timber mills and more than 300 jobs. To support this transition, the government will provide JobKeeper-style subsidies, assistance with operating costs, and free access to mental health, financial and legal counselling, as well as training programs. An additional $6 million will be invested in developing new tourism and small business opportunities on the Mid North Coast, with the package to be shaped in consultation with local communities.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the government was committed to balancing conservation with industry: “We are committed to a sustainable forestry industry in NSW,” she said. “Our priority is to fully support impacted workers with payments and services during this major change.”
Meanwhile, North Coast and Small Business Minister Janelle Saffin described the park as both a conservation milestone and an economic opportunity. “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,” she said. “It is important to work together to ensure no one is left behind… I am committed to ensuring our forest workers and small business forest operators are supported economically and emotionally through this change.”
The park’s creation is contingent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the Federal Government’s Improved Native Forest Management Method, which is currently under assessment. The Independent Forestry Panel will continue advising on the Forestry Industry Action Plan to ensure forestry remains viable on the North Coast.
