Liz Jeremy, Paula Flack, Sharon Peterson and Dr Grahame Douglas, Coffs Coast Branch
The Coffs Coast Branch, working alongside NPA head office, has been actively campaigning for the establishment of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), using multiple advocacy strategies to support this significant conservation initiative. With the NSW Government committing $80 million over four years for the park’s development, our branch has focused on building community and business support while raising awareness about the project’s importance.
Current Conservation Context
Koala populations are declining across large parts of NSW despite near universal public support and unprecedented financial investment by both State and Federal governments. According to a report commissioned by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and prepared by Biolink research group, 62% of the NSW koala population has been lost over the past three generations, with an estimated 6,382 koalas perishing during the 2019/20 fire season alone, representing nearly 15% of the population. The 2019-2020 bushfire season resulted in 3.5 million hectares of koala habitat burnt across NSW, Queensland and the ACT, leading to an estimated population decline of 7.2% one year after the fires.
The proposed park, with the government currently assessing 176,000 hectares for inclusion (though conservation groups advocate for the full 315,000 hectares outlined in the Greens’ Great Koala Protected Area Bill 2021), would protect critical koala habitat and 150 threatened species. However, since the 2023 election promise, analysis by the North East Forest Alliance shows that 7,185 hectares has been logged within the proposed park boundaries in the 21 months since the March 2023 election, with logging rates accelerating from 211 hectares monthly under the previous government to 342 hectares monthly under the current government.
NPA’s Foundational Work
The National Parks Association has been central to the Great Koala National Park concept since its inception. NPA launched the Great Koala National Park report in 2015, establishing the scientific and conservation framework for the proposal. As noted by NPA Branch President Dr Grahame Douglas, the proposal to transfer 176,000 hectares into permanent protection “was no ambit claim, it was the absolute minimum required to create a well-connected, resilient and diverse park that offers a future for koalas and all the fauna and flora that share their forests.” The boundaries of the proposal were based on the report Conserving Koala Populations of the NSW Upper Mid-North Coast 2013, commissioned by the Bellingen Environment Centre, Nambucca Valley Conservation Association, Clarence Environment Centre and National Parks Association NSW, in which author David Scotts delineated and mapped populations and subpopulations of koalas across the study area.
The park area contains forests with potential World Heritage status, housing significant biodiversity in a relatively small area. Native forest harvesting in the proposed park area is not ecologically sustainable, with logging leading to habitat loss and species decline.
Branch and Head Office Advocacy Activities
NPA has been the campaigning flagship for the establishment of the park since it lodged the GKNP proposal with the NSW Government in 2015. By 2018, NPA’s campaign activities attracted sponsorship and generous donations enabling the production and printing of updated campaign materials, two promotional videos, increased lobbying capacity and the production of detailed mapping and overviews of each State Forest proposed for inclusion in the park.
NPA has worked collaboratively with representatives of the Gumbaynggirr Nation and local conservation and forest protection groups working to see the park established.
A recent, targeted campaign successfully gathered 100 business signatories for a letter to the Premier, demonstrating the economic importance of the GKNP to local tourism and business sectors. This initiative highlighted that environmental protection can align with economic development through sustainable tourism opportunities.
As part of this process, the branch has maintained regular presence at local markets and community events, distributing promotional materials and engaging directly with residents. Lawn signs supporting the park are now visible across the Coffs Coast, creating ongoing community awareness of the campaign.
NPA representatives have met regularly with government officials to advocate for the full establishment of the park, ensuring local conservation voices are represented in policy discussions.
A key project has been the production of “Whispers of Wilderness,” a documentary about the stunning Coffs Coast and showcasing the proposed Great Koala National Park. The film was funded through Coffs Harbour City Council Environmental Levy Grants and premiered at the Jetty Theatre earlier this year. The documentary received another screening at the recent SustainaBellingen event in August, extending its reach to regional environmental networks.
Looking Ahead
The proposed park area contains forests with potential World Heritage status, housing significant biodiversity in a relatively small area. As the government continues its assessment process, the Coffs Coast Branch maintains its advocacy for the establishment of the GKNP.
The Coffs Coast Branch’s comprehensive approach—combined with NPA’s decade-long advocacy and foundational research—demonstrates effective conservation campaigning from both local and organisational levels. These coordinated efforts contribute to the broader goal of securing permanent protection for critical koala habitat on the NSW mid-north coast.
For information about supporting the Great Koala National Park campaign, contact the Coffs Coast branch or visit the website.