Kate Carroll, NPA Conservation Projects
Momentum is building for the Great Southern Forest National Park proposal, with the project team meeting several key milestones, signalling the next phase of this ambitious conservation project.
The technical report outlining the proposal is in its final stages and will likely be available by the time you are reading this! It represents a significant body of work, bringing together the scientific, cultural and socio-economic rationale to support the establishment of what could become the largest national park in New South Wales. It is the result of several years’ work from a team of NPA members, staff and volunteers. The report’s release will provide a critical foundation for ongoing advocacy and engagement with government and other stakeholders.
The southern branches of NPA are mobilising in anticipation of the launch and campaign ahead of the report’s release. Community outreach efforts are imminent, with plans for NPA to set up stalls at local markets to raise awareness of the proposal and engage local supporters. To support the branches, campaign materials are being developed to clearly communicate the vision and benefits of the Great Southern Forest National Park to a broad audience.
An important engagement piece for the campaign is captivating the community with footage of the creatures that reside in the southern forests. On the Far South Coast, Dave Gallan hosted a special screening of a film focusing on Tallaganda—one of the key State Forests included in the proposal and critical habitat for the endangered Greater Glider. The event coincided with the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough which also happens to be Dave’s birthday. Happy birthday to Dave and David!
The project team has been strengthened with the addition of a new Conservation Campaigner Monica Mudge, a south coast local, who brings valuable regional knowledge and energy to the role. Monica will be running both the Great Southern Forest and the “30 by 30” campaigns. 30 by 30 being the international commitment Australia has signed under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to protect 30% of the world’s land and waters by 2030.
The Great Southern Forest National Park would represent a substantial contribution toward the 30 by 30 target and remove the ongoing threat of industrial logging to the biodiversity of south eastern NSW. The proposal not only holds significance at a regional level but also aligns with global efforts to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
NPA is entering an exciting phase with the launch of the Great Southern Forest proposal. The coming months will set the groundwork for the campaign to build public and political support for this important National Park proposal.