Why I Joined the Delegation to NSW Parliament in Support of The Great Koala National Park: A Commitment to Our Environment and Future Generations
Chris Fenech, Owner of HWH Stables
From Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef to now, The Great Koala National Park
As the owner of HWH Stables, an equestrian establishment that thrives in the heart of New South Wales, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land, the animals, and the natural beauty that surrounds us. When I first heard about the initiative to create the Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast of NSW, it struck me as more than just a conservation project—it was an opportunity to protect a piece of our heritage and ensure a safer future for one of Australia’s most iconic species, the koala.
A Personal Connection to the Land
Living and working on the land every day, I see firsthand the challenges we face in maintaining a balance between development and conservation. Over the years, I’ve watched the koala population in our region dwindle due to habitat destruction, bushfires, and disease. These iconic creatures, once abundant in our forests, are now at risk of disappearing forever. For those of us who are lucky enough to share this landscape with these majestic animals, it’s impossible to ignore the urgency of the situation.
The Great Koala National Park offers a unique chance to safeguard critical habitat, expand conservation efforts, and ensure that future generations will be able to experience the wonder of seeing a koala in the wild. When I was invited to join a delegation to NSW Parliament in support of this initiative, I saw it as a chance to make a real difference—not just for koalas, but for the broader environment, the community, and our children’s future.
Why I Decided to Join the Delegation
As a landowner and someone who works closely with animals, I’ve always been a strong advocate for sustainable practices. The Great Koala National Park isn’t just about protecting a single species—it’s about preserving the delicate ecosystem that supports a wide variety of native plants and animals. Koalas are just one piece of the puzzle, and their survival depends on the health of the entire environment in which they live.
Joining the delegation was a no-brainer for me. It’s not only an opportunity to stand up for koalas, but it’s also a chance to advocate for the kind of land management practices that protect both our natural heritage and the livelihoods of those who live in the region. We must recognize that conservation and economic sustainability can go hand in hand, and creating a national park like this can bring long-term benefits to local communities, tourism, and industries like agriculture and equestrianism.
My Experience in NSW Parliament
The experience of being part of the delegation to NSW Parliament was both inspiring and humbling. Standing alongside conservationists, landholders, and passionate advocates, I witnessed firsthand the power of collective action. Our message was clear: we need bold leadership to protect our natural environment, and we need action now to ensure that koalas have a future in the wild.
Meeting with parliamentarians, I was struck by the level of support for the proposal, but also by the challenges that lie ahead. While there is strong backing from many sectors, it’s clear that achieving meaningful change requires ongoing collaboration between government, local communities, and conservation organizations. We need to ensure that the voices of those who care deeply about these issues are heard, and that we work together to find solutions that benefit both wildlife and people.
Looking Ahead: A Future Where Koalas Thrive
The creation of the Great Koala National Park is an important step toward ensuring the survival of koalas, but it’s just the beginning. There’s still much work to be done—on the ground, in the halls of government, and in the hearts of everyday Australians who care about the future of our unique wildlife.
For me, this experience reinforced the importance of being an active participant in the issues that matter most. As a proud supporter of conservation, I remain committed to advocating for the protection of koalas and their habitat. But I also believe that the creation of this national park is a turning point for a broader conversation about how we balance development with the need to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the land.
It is my hope that we all take the time to reflect on our role in this shared responsibility—whether we are landowners, conservationists, or just citizens of this great country—and that we act decisively to ensure that koalas, and all of Australia’s incredible wildlife, continue to have a place in our future.