New South Wales Parliament passed legislation on October 23 to establish the Great Koala National Park. The state says the law and approval of the park’s carbon project clear the final steps, with the park expected to open before the end of 2026.
The legislation adds 178,000 hectares of state forest and other Crown land to the national parks estate. The NSW Government says the land is home to around 12,000 koalas and more than 100 other threatened species; together with existing reserves, the protected area will span more than 475,000 hectares.
Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti people helped shape the park and will continue to guide its management. The government also says around 100 new National Parks and Wildlife Service roles are being created, with support and possible transfers available for affected forestry workers.
