Australia approves Great Koala National Park

October 26, 2026

Australia has taken a major step toward protecting its native wildlife after the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament approved legislation establishing the . The conservation initiative will safeguard extensive forest habitats, support biodiversity and strengthen long-term protection for endangered koalas.

Covering approximately between Kempsey and Grafton on Australia's Mid North Coast, the reserve will become the second-largest national park in New South Wales.

The legislation marks the conclusion of more than a decade of environmental campaigning and fulfills a major commitment made by the NSW Labor government during the 2023 state election.

The protected area will connect existing national parks with more than , creating a substantial conservation landscape for native plants and animals.

A historic victory for koala conservation

The legislation was approved following more than 14 hours of parliamentary debate, during which lawmakers considered approximately 160 amendments.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe welcomed the decision as a significant achievement for biodiversity conservation and forest protection.

The new national park is expected to provide lasting protection for approximately .

Koalas face serious threats from habitat destruction, forest fragmentation and environmental degradation. Establishing larger protected areas can help preserve the eucalyptus forests they depend on for food, shelter and reproduction.

Beyond protecting koalas, the reserve will conserve old-growth forests, important water catchments and habitats that support Australia's wider biodiversity.

The initiative also recognizes the cultural significance of the landscape to the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples, who have contributed to the park's development and will continue to participate in its management.

More than a decade of environmental campaigning

The creation of the Great Koala National Park follows years of advocacy by environmental organizations, conservationists and local communities concerned about declining koala populations.

Conservation campaigner Ashley Love was among the early supporters who pushed for stronger forest protection after residents reported fewer koala sightings across the region.

The proposal became part of the NSW Labor Party's election platforms in 2015 and 2019 before the party secured government in 2023.

Although conservation groups have celebrated the legislation, some campaigners believe additional measures are necessary to protect surrounding forests.

One continuing concern is habitat connectivity. Some protected forest areas remain separated, potentially limiting wildlife movement between habitats.

Environmental advocates are therefore calling for further conservation measures to connect fragmented ecosystems and strengthen protection beyond the park's current boundaries.

Carbon credits to support forest conservation

A significant element of the project involves using .

Australia's federal Clean Energy Regulator has registered a carbon project covering more than 117,000 hectares within the Great Koala National Park.

The initiative is designed to generate carbon credits by protecting native forests from logging, helping preserve the carbon stored in trees and forest ecosystems.

Revenue from the carbon project could provide financial support for conservation activities, habitat management and the long-term maintenance of protected forests.

However, carbon-credit financing has also generated debate about how environmental protection should be funded and whether such mechanisms provide appropriate incentives for conservation.

The NSW government has confirmed that carbon credits generated through this project will not be available to coal and gas projects.

Logging restrictions create challenges for local industries

While environmental organizations have welcomed the establishment of the national park, the decision has raised concerns among timber producers and forestry workers.

A moratorium on native forest logging in the proposed park area was introduced in 2025, affecting businesses that depend on timber harvesting.

Industry representatives have reported declining operations, reduced orders and job losses across the Mid North Coast.

Timber NSW president Andrew Hurford has highlighted the wider economic consequences for sawmills, transport companies, engineering businesses and other suppliers connected to the forestry sector.

In July 2026, Forestry Corporation of NSW announced more than 30 job cuts in Coffs Harbour linked to the park's development.

To address these challenges, the NSW government has introduced assistance measures for affected workers and businesses, including retraining, financial support and opportunities to transition into conservation-related employment.

Approximately are being created within the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to support forest management, fire prevention, ecological restoration and visitor services.

New opportunities for sustainable tourism

In addition to protecting wildlife, the Great Koala National Park could create new opportunities for .

The extensive forest landscape will support outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing, cycling and wildlife observation in designated areas.

Nature-based tourism could benefit local accommodation providers, tour operators and other small businesses while encouraging greater public awareness of Australia's unique ecosystems.

The park's management strategy will seek to balance recreational access with biodiversity protection, cultural heritage preservation and responsible environmental practices.

Indigenous participation will also be an important component of future operations, with eight Aboriginal ranger positions planned through community-controlled organizations.

A major milestone for Australia's biodiversity future

The establishment of the Great Koala National Park represents an important advancement in Australia's efforts to protect endangered species and conserve native forests.

By bringing together hundreds of thousands of hectares of protected land, the initiative aims to reduce habitat destruction, preserve biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of forest ecosystems against climate change.

Although challenges remain concerning habitat connectivity, forestry employment and long-term conservation funding, the legislation provides a foundation for expanded environmental protection.

The NSW government expects the park to open before the end of 2026.