Community consultation is shaping plans for the proposed Great Koala National Park, with more than 4,000 responses received from residents, recreational groups and stakeholders across the Mid North Coast.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe was in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday as the NSW Government continued discussions on the park, which would protect a nationally significant koala population and more than 100 threatened species.
“The Great Koala National Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape,” Sharpe said.
The proposed park is also being promoted as a driver of tourism and economic activity for the region, with consultation sessions including local market stalls, meetings with recreational groups and engagement with community organisations.
“The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature-based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe also met with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour as part of ongoing consultation with Traditional Owners and Elders.
The proposed park area includes culturally significant sites for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples, including places connected to ceremony, spirituality and traditional resource gathering.
The government says Aboriginal cultural heritage ranger positions will be created within NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the park’s management structure.
North Coast Minister Janelle Saffin said local feedback was central to the planning process.
“By putting local voices at the heart of this process, we are ensuring the park’s creation delivers for everyone who lives and works here,” Saffin said.
The establishment of the park remains dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method, which is currently progressing through Commonwealth assessment processes.
Preparatory work underway includes increasing firefighting capacity through additional personnel and equipment, refining park boundaries and drafting legislation to establish the park in late 2026.
“The Great Koala National Park is a landmark investment in the Mid North Coast, securing our unique environment while driving new local jobs and economic opportunities for our communities,” Saffin said.
“We are backing new Aboriginal cultural heritage roles, strengthening fire preparedness, and building sustainable tourism to ensure the North Coast continues to thrive as a world-class destination.”
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