Great Koala National Park legislation introduced in New South Wales

Legislation to create the Great Koala National Park has been introduced to the New South Wales state parliament. The plan aims to protect and link critical koala habitats along the state's North Coast.

The proposed park will feature varying levels of protection. While the majority of the converted state forest and crown land will receive high-level environmental and cultural protection, approximately 13 per cent will be designated as regional parkland. This allows for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, four-wheel driving, and trail bike riding. Additionally, specific sections will be established as nature reserves and Aboriginal areas to safeguard geological features, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe stated the park is designed to save koalas while providing a world-class area for public exploration. The initiative has faced opposition from the logging industry, which argues the park will restrict timber access and impact jobs. In response, the government has introduced financial support measures for forestry workers.