Category: Nature NSW

“No-take” Aquatic Reserves: NSW’s under-utilised marine protected area category 

Posted by on in Winter 2025Leave a comment

Danielle Ryan, NPA Conservation Campaigner 

For several years, the National Parks Association of NSW has been fostering a community movement to see more “no-take” aquatic reserves established throughout NSW, through our efforts in the NSW Marine Sanctuary Alliance. With the rise of swimmer groups, the community desire to establish more aquatic reserves has never been stronger. They have seen the natural wonders of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve and so desire to replicate the thriving underwater scenery of marine life. Yet, there is a catch. Astonishingly, it has been 20 years since the last aquatic reserve was established in NSW.  

Read More ““No-take” Aquatic Reserves: NSW’s under-utilised marine protected area category “

Whispers of Wilderness: Local Film Captures Nature’s Voice on the Coffs Coast 

Posted by on in Winter 2025Leave a comment

Liz Jeremy, Coffs Coast Branch 

In an era when environmental concerns often feel overwhelming and distant, a short film from Coffs Coast offers a refreshing perspective that brings conservation back to the local level. “Whispers of Wilderness,” a 10-minute documentary commissioned by the  NSW  National Parks Association’s Coffs Coast Branch, has rapidly become a catalyst for regional environmental engagement since its premiere last month. 

Read More “Whispers of Wilderness: Local Film Captures Nature’s Voice on the Coffs Coast “

How can you create real change for the conservation landscape? 

Posted by on in Winter 2025Leave a comment

Dr Jonathon Howard, NPA Executive

It is clear that the vast majority of Australians want the government to do more for the environment, but it’s not being delivered. Consider what is happening to our koalas. Or how the Labor government promised to create a new independent environmental regulator but stumbled at the wire. 

Read More “How can you create real change for the conservation landscape? “

Swimming holes: the crossroad between conservation and recreation

Posted by on in Winter 2025Leave a comment

Dr Jonathon Howard, NPA Executive

New South Wales offers an abundance of stunning natural swimming spots. There is Nellies Glen in Budderoo National Park, Karloo Pools in Royal NP, as well as Glenbrook Gorge and Jellybean Pool in the Blue Mountains NP. Within our parks are a myriad of waterfalls, lagoons, lakes, creeks, and rivers, to enjoy. While they may attract crowds of people keen on water-based recreation, some of the relatively deep pools may be the only habitat that retain water throughout the year for our wildlife, which makes them important refuges for freshwater biota. So how do we balance recreation and conservation of these site? 

Read More “Swimming holes: the crossroad between conservation and recreation”