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 Land of OZ is a place of magic and wonder! We have Koalas, Kookaburras and Kangaroos. We also have eucalypt trees and a super abundance of flora adapted to our harsh climate.
The Sea of OZ is also a place of magic and wonder, possibly more so, for me, being a very passionate scuba diver.
Helen Wilson, Executive Member and Illawarra Branch
Norfolk Island October 31 to December 7 2025. Organised by Mal January, tour leader Kaylene Collins from Trade Travel
Norfolk Island is a very interesting destination with its waves of settlement and uses, beginning with a mysterious Polynesian settlement from the 12th century. The impressive World Heritage listed Georgian buildings from the second convict period (1825-52) remain. In 1856 Queen Victoria granted the island to the Bounty mutineers and Tahitians who had overpopulated Pitcairn Island east of French Polynesia. Today’s landowners are mainly their descendants and have developed a proud and resourceful culture. It is now an Australian territory.
Mammals that prey on other animals leave their scent in the environment. These scents can alert prey species to the presence of predators and may lead to a fear-like avoidance response by their prey. However, if the predator is an introduced predator such as a cat or fox, then the prey may not be able to associate the scent of an introduced predator.
From the oceans to the mountains, let’s get to 30 x 30
Good news for our oceans!
In March 2026 Australian Parliament passed an Act to implement the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty (officially known as known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction). The Treaty applies to seas beyond the territory of individual countries — which covers about 60% of all the world’s oceans. International cooperation is needed to look after these waters, and the plants and animals that live there. Currently only around 1% of the high seas is protected in marine sanctuaries. The Treaty will play an important role in achieving the global 30 x 30 goal to protect 30% of land, freshwater, and marine environments by 2030.
Next time you’re reluctant to get up on a chilly Winter’s morning, spare a thought for the Mountain Pygmy Possum … as you read this, it will be hibernating under snow in alpine NSW and Victoria until Spring arrives. The possum is the only marsupial in the world known to store food and hibernate for extended periods (up to 7 months!).
This tiny animal has a body length of up to 11cm. In 1967 it was declared the rarest animal on earth by the Guinness Book of Records after a single possum was found in Victoria. Now there are believed to be about 2,500 adult possums in NSW and Victoria, including in Kosciuszko National Park.
But the Mountain Pygmy Possum is still an endangered species. Climate change is its biggest threat because drought, rising temperatures and bushfires have affected levels of water, snow cover and its favourite food (bogong moths) — all of which it needs to survive. The possum is also threatened by feral cats and foxes. Thankfully dedicated scientists, park rangers and volunteers are working to care for the possum population.
Did you know honey has natural anti-microbial properties? This means it can help heal bacterial infections! Recent 5-year-long research analysed the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of 56 honey samples collected from a range of apiaries (beekeeping sites), including some recovering from the 2020 bushfires in NSW.
The research found that the antibacterial properties of honey are connected to the ecological richness of the environment — yet another reason to protect our native flora. Honey made from mixed floral sources had a superior performance against bacteria.
“Each nectar has its own unique chemical signature. When bees can forage on a smorgasboard of native plants, the mix combines to create honey chemically rich in bioactive compounds that are effective against bacteria.” (Dr Kenya Fernandes[CS2] )
This article was written with the assistance of AI.
The recent NSW Marine Parks Forum brought together government representatives, scientists, conservation organisations, community advocates, Indigenous leaders, dive tourism operators, recreational fishing representatives, and other stakeholders to explore how New South Wales can contribute to the global 30×30 target — protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.
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