Spring 2026 – National Parks Association of NSW

A Rationale to Expand the Seven Mile Beach National Park

Posted by NPA NSWon August 31, 2026August 31, 2026in Spring 2026Leave a comment

Howard Jones, Gerroa Environment Protection Society

Seven Mile Beach is a beautiful natural area on the NSW South Coast, located between Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads. Adjoining the beach is an area of around 2,000 hectares of biologically diverse coastal vegetation. This vegetation is disconnected from the hinterland and is habitat for seven endangered ecological communities and supports at least 13 endangered or threatened species.

A New Direction for NSW Parks — Urgency, Ambition and Practical Paths Forward

Posted by NPA NSWon August 31, 2026August 31, 2026in Spring 2026, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Warwick Pearse and Ross McDonnell

Urgent, practical and hopeful: the NPA sets out how a reimagined National Parks Establishment Plan can protect and restore coastal, forest and fertile lands — fast, fairly and for the long term.

Recently, the NPA was asked to comment on a draft NPWS National Parks Establishment Plan (NPEP). Current and earlier plans have existed that give the community some guidance as to where and why reserve establishment occurs.

In response, two NPA committees (Landscape Conservation, and Park Management) met to formulate a response. Below we outline the key points.

Honouring a Lifetime for Nature: A Farewell to Gary Dunnett

Posted by NPA NSWon August 31, 2026August 31, 2026in Spring 2026Leave a comment

Liz Jeremy, President NPA NSW

As Gary Dunnett prepares for a well-earned retirement, the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) pauses to reflect on an extraordinary career dedicated to protecting the state’s natural heritage. Gary’s tenure as NPA’s Chief Executive Officer marks the culmination of decades of tireless advocacy, public service, and deep personal commitment to conservation across New South Wales.

Strengthening our Foundations, Expanding our Reach

Posted by NPA NSWon August 31, 2026August 31, 2026in Spring 2026Leave a comment

Liz Jeremy, President NPA NSW

Our recent State Council meeting at Currawong in Pittwater brought together branch representatives from across NSW. While delegates worked through key strategies, the weekend was above all an energising, bonding celebration of local community action. Connecting people with nature through our bushwalking heritage remains central to NPA, even as we expand our focus to marine conservation. Council captured this evolving momentum: welcoming the new Northern Beaches Branch, establishing a dedicated Marine Group, and receiving an inspiring presentation on the Great Southern Forest project.