By Bellingen Enviroment centre INC
Further delays to the gazettal of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) as NSW Environment minister, Penny Sharpe, continues to pander to the Timber Industry rather than listening to local environment groups, citizen scientists and conservationists.
Ms Sharpe recently announced on radio that more consultation is being done with the timber industry.
“We consider this questionable,” says Bellingen Environment Centre (BEC) Secretary Catherine Jones, “BEC has been working tirelessly for the past three elections, towards the realisation of a world-class Koala Park to protect and preserve the dwindling populations of endangered koalas, since the concept of the GKNP was first envisaged by Ashley Love, forest spokesperson and life member of the BEC and staunch advocate for the GKNP.”
The GKNP was announced by premier Chris Minns, and ministers Penny Sharpe and Janelle Saffin in September 2025. Since the original concept was first proposed and then promised, the boundaries have been manipulated to the detriment of our endangered Koalas and many other threatened species.
“The Government has rorted the concept, by shifting the boundaries of the GKNP to the west into non-koala habitat and stripping it from the east allowing the destruction of nearly 50,000 hectares of prime koala habitat. The northern and southern coastal koala populations are at risk of becoming functionally extinct, says BEC forest spokesperson Mr Ashley Love.
“We want to see a joint management plan with Gumbaynggirr peoples and for it to be put in legislation, now.”
Another disturbing aspect of Ms. Sharpe’s announcement is that the final creation of the GKNP is ‘dependent on the successful registration’ of it as a carbon project. Environmentalists are against the carbon credit scheme for the park which was never part of the proposal or the promise to create a truly world class GKNP.
This move by the NSW government is delaying the finalisation of the GKNP and breaks the Minns government 2023 election promise to establish the park as soon as in government,” said MS Catherine Jones. This was never part of the deal. The original proposal and promise were never dependent on Federal carbon credit schemes.”
We are deeply concerned for the koalas whose homes in Pine Creek state forest are scheduled for imminent clear felling.
It’s Official: Bellingen Captures Hearts on National Best Towns List
By Michael Burt
Bellingen has been recognised as a tops town to visit, landing at No. 16 in the Australian Traveller’s Top 100 Best Aussie Towns for 2026.
The Australian Traveller magazine released the coveted list last week, with Bicheno in Tasmania claiming the top spot followed by Port Douglas (QLD), Byron Bay and Port Fairy (VIC).
The Bellingen Visitor centre said being among the top destinations in the country is “a beautiful reminder of what makes this town so loved by locals and visitors alike.”
“From vibrant main street energy to rivers, rainforest, top-notch food and a strong creative spirit, Bellingen captures hearts for good reason,” the Bellingen Visitor Centre said.
Bellingen and Yamba (14) were the only other north coast towns to make the top 20. Murwillumbah (59), South West Rocks (68) and Ballina (100) also made the list.
This year judges included Catriona Rowntree, who has rightfully earnt the nickname ‘Australia’s most-travelled woman’ thanks to 30 years presenting Getaway, and comedian and television host Ernie Dingo.
“From TV presenters to industry experts, our panel spans the depth of Australia’s travel landscape to ensure every pillar of Aussie life is accounted for. Among some familiar faces is returning Australian Traveller panellist,” said Australian Traveller Managing Director Quentin Long.
“They didn’t vote on places they did not feel they had sufficient knowledge of. The overall ranking reflects the towns that received the highest average score, ranging from tiny localities to buzzing regional hubs with community at heart.”
“From coast to outback and everywhere in between, our country is home to a vast array of vibrant destinations.”
“Following a far-reaching nomination process and guided by professional instinct and personal judgement, our panel rated the shortlist on a scale of 1–10 based on how strongly they believe Australians should visit nominated towns.”
The top 20 Aussie towns to visit (according to the Australian Traveller Magazine)
1. Bicheno, Tas, 2. Port Douglas, Qld, 3. Byron Bay, NSW, 4. Port Fairy, Vic
5. Bowral, NSW, 6. Broome, WA, 7. Willunga, SA, 8. Eagle Bay, WA, 9. Noosa, Qld
10. Beechworth, Vic, 11. Lorne, Vic, 12. Daylesford, Vic, 13. St Helens, Tas, 14. Yamba, NSW
15. Yulara, NT, 16. Bellingen, NSW, 17. Stanley, Tas, 18. Richmond, Tas, 19. Kalbarri, WA
20. Margaret River, WA
Sewage and water charges under scrutiny
By Michael Burt
Bellingen Shire Council’s Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) is in the spotlight following developer complaints about proposed increases for sewage and water connection fees.
The IWCM includes a draft Developer Servicing Plan, which suggests increasing sewer contributions from $7870 to $27164 in Dorrigo and from $3141 to $27,164 in Urunga. In Bellingen, the First-Cut Developer Charge would drop from $6508 to $4529.
The developer charge for water supply for Urunga and Dorrigo is proposed to increase by more than 250 per cent to $18298.
At its April Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to place the IWCM Strategy on public exhibition with a consultation period that closed on 20 May.
Council General Manager Mark Griffioen said the IWCM provides advice to the community of the water and sewer infrastructure Council intends to build over the next 30 years to support the community develop over that time.
“The IWCM does not set the developer charges for water and sewer,” Mr Griffioen said.
“If Council adopts the IWCM Strategy, they will not be adopting the nominated developer charges. The developer charges will be finalised in a separate plan later this year and will be placed on public exhibition for comment.”
“The figures referenced in the Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategy are first cut estimates.”
The Draft Developer Servicing Plan (DSP) for water and sewer infrastructure is currently being prepared and will be placed on public exhibition later this year after consideration by Council.
“After a period of public consultation, Council will consider all submissions and whether or not it wishes the charges to be subsidised into the future. Once adopted, this document will set the developer fees and charges.”
“Council will also consider potential cross-subsidy options, which may reduce the overall value of the charges. If Council does decide to subsidise developer costs, this would need to be paid for by an increase in water and sewer charges for all connected properties in the Bellingen Shire.”
Mr Griffieon said the first cut developer charge in the IWCM reflects the significant cost of delivering and upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure.
The charges are calculated based on a ‘network access’ principle, where a development is expected to pay for the proportion of each asset the development benefits from. In terms of water supply and sewerage assets this usually consists of a combination of treatment plants, mains, pumping stations and reservoirs.