Landmark legislation to create the Great Koala National Park in the NSW Mid North Coast has been passed by the state parliament.
The passage of the legislation, combined with the Clean Energy Regulator’s approval of the park’s carbon project, clears the final hurdles to establishing the Great Koala National Park, which is on track to open before the end of the year.
The National Park Estate (Great Koala National Park Reservations) Bill 2026 adds 178,000 hectares of state forest and other Crown land, home to around 12,000 koalas and more than 100 other threatened species, to the national parks estate.
This precious forest will be added to existing national park reserves, creating one of the largest protected areas in NSW, spanning more than 475,000 hectares from Kempsey to Grafton and inland to Ebor.
This precious forest will be added to existing national park reserves, creating one of the largest protected areas in NSW, spanning more than 475,000 hectares. PIC: NSW Government
T
he Government says the park will protect important environmental and cultural values while allowing visitors to continue enjoying activities including camping, canoeing and mountain bike riding. It will also create opportunities for nature-based tourism and local businesses.
Around 100 new NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) roles are being created to strengthen park operations, fire management and conservation.
Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said the national park would protect the environment, while keeping outdoor activities accessible.
“This milestone isn’t just a win for conservation – it’s also an economic driver,” she said. “Opening the Great Koala National Park will attract visitors from around the world, creating fresh opportunities, vibrant town centres and lasting growth for our hard-working local small businesses.”
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
