Liz Jeremy, President NPA NSW
I am both honoured and energised to be serving as President of the National Parks Association of NSW at this pivotal time in our organisation’s history.
We have much to celebrate. After more than a decade of dedicated advocacy, the announcement of the establishment of the Great Koala National Park stands as a testament to what NPA can achieve when we combine scientific evidence, community engagement, and persistent campaigning. This sanctuary represents one of the most significant conservation victories in recent NSW history. We will continue to work collaboratively with government and key stakeholders to support its final establishment as government works through the various processes, and we look forward to seeing this amazing and special landscape secured for koalas and countless other species that call these forests home.
Our conservation momentum continues with the Great Southern Forest National Park campaign, where we are working to protect some of the most biodiverse and climate-critical forests on the continent. This is NPA doing what we do best: combining rigorous science with passionate advocacy to secure permanent protection for irreplaceable natural areas.
Yet as we celebrate these wonderful outcomes and pursue new campaigns, we are also looking inward with honesty and purpose. Our Future Directions project, a comprehensive initiative to shape a sustainable future for NPA, is well underway. A detailed roadmap is being finalised, and we anticipate it being presented to the next State Council meeting. This work includes a comprehensive member survey, fresh approaches to public engagement, and a thorough review of how we operate to ensure we are as effective and relevant as possible in today’s crowded conservation landscape.
We are also very mindful of the importance of coming together as a community to build our work in a collegial way. To that end, we have arranged for the next State Council meeting to be held at the beautiful Currawong in Pittwater, a fitting setting for an organisation committed to nature connection and conservation. Details will be coming to you soon, and we very much look forward to seeing you there.
NPA’s dual mission, protecting nature and fostering appreciation of the natural world — remains as relevant as ever. Through this renewal process, we are strengthening our capacity to deliver on both fronts, ensuring that future generations will know NPA as the go-to voice for nature protection and appreciation in NSW.
These are genuinely exciting times for NPA. With wonderful outcomes behind us, important campaigns underway, a clear path forward for organisational renewal, and a State Council gathering to look forward to, we are well-positioned to build on our proud history while adapting for the challenges and opportunities ahead.