The creation of the Great Koala National Park brought around 100 community and environmental leaders together at Bongil Bongil National Park last Saturday, in a celebration of decades of grassroots campaigning and scientific advocacy.
The 476,000-hectare park, announced by the Premier on Threatened Species Day, represents a 25% increase to the Mid North Coast’s national parks estate and will provide sanctuary for up to 20% of NSW’s remaining wild koalas. Significantly, 176,000 hectares of former state forests are now permanently protected.
The gathering, hosted by the NSW National Parks Association, reflected the collaborative spirit that made the park possible. Bellingen Councillors Dominic King and Jennie Fenton were joined by councillors from Coffs Harbour and Nambucca, NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson, and representatives from conservation groups across the region to mark what many described as a once-in-a-generation conservation achievement.
NPA CEO Gary Dunnett emphasised the breadth of the campaign’s support. “This deeply collaborative effort brought together community groups, scientists, businesses, and countless individuals who refused to give up on protecting the best koala habitat in the world,” he said, adding that the park “will be a legacy for generations to come.”
NPA President Liz Jeremy paid tribute to the many contributors to the campaign’s success. “This achievement belongs to every individual who campaigned tirelessly—every person who wrote letters, manned market stalls, raised funds, attended rallies, or simply refused to give up,” she said. “Our koalas will have their sanctuary, our forests will have time to heal, and future generations will know that when it mattered most, we chose protection over destruction.”
The park’s potential to drive regional tourism and economic development featured prominently in discussions. NPA Coffs Coast President Grahame Douglas thanked “the Minister for Environment for her support of the GKNP, and indeed thanks to the NSW Government for considering the science and understanding the importance of this decision in such a holistic way.” He noted the tourism potential the park represents while acknowledging the difficult transition for logging families whose livelihoods have been connected to the industry.
NPA campaigner Paula Flack highlighted both the conservation and economic significance. “This achievement represents not just environmental protection, but a significant economic development and tourism opportunity for the Mid North Coast,” she said. “The park will attract visitors from around the world who want to see koalas in their natural habitat, creating sustainable jobs and prosperity for our region.”
The park will protect numerous endangered species including koalas, greater gliders, and spotted-tailed quolls, while offering the forests time to heal and regenerate.