Located between Coffs Harbour and Kempsey on the east coast, the cuddly marsupials will now be able to climb safely and undisturbed from branch to branch in what promises to be a true paradise for this iconic but endangered species.
The regional government, led by Premier Chris Minns, has announced plans to add 176,000 hectares of forest to existing protected areas, creating one of the largest national parks in the state, spanning an impressive 476,000 hectares.
Logging in the area will be immediately halted, and impacted forestry workers will be supported through a compensation programme.
“Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable. The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around,” Minns said. The WWF described the plan as offering koalas a real chance of survival.
The park is not just a lifeline for koalas but also a significant economic opportunity. It is expected to generate an additional $163m ($182m NZD) in tourism revenue, making it a new attraction on Australia’s east coast.
“It will ensure koalas survive into the future so our grandchildren will still be able to see them in the wild,” said Environment Minister Penny Sharpe.
Sharpe also highlighted the importance of the region’s ancient forests for other wildlife. “These amazing old-growth forests are among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots – home to more than 100 threatened species including greater gliders, the powerful owl and yellow-bellied gliders.”
Koalas, or Phascolarctos cinereus, are endemic to Australia. They spend most of their day sleeping in trees and feed exclusively on eucalyptus leaves.
According to the Australian Koala Foundation, there are likely no more than 60,000 koalas left in the wild — a dramatic decline compared to the millions that roamed Australia at the start of the 20th century. The animals were once hunted extensively for their fur, bringing them to the brink of extinction in some areas.
In New South Wales and Queensland, concerns about koala populations are particularly acute due to natural disasters, deforestation and road accidents.
During the devastating “Black Summer” bushfires five years ago, the WWF estimates that more than 60,000 koalas were killed, injured, displaced or traumatised. Images of koalas with singed fur and burned paws captured global attention at the time.
