Government announces the Great Koala National Park…for Motorsports?

The Great Koala National Park bill has finally been introduced to NSW Parliament this week. But the proposed national park has been reduced in size by 13%, and instead replaced by an equivalent area of a non-conservation tenure called a ‘Regional Park.’

The latest bill classifies 13% of the originally proposed National Park as Regional Park which does not prioritise biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, this classification of Regional Park, opens it to 4WDs, motor-racing and other human induced disturbances. Far from protecting koalas, these recreational activities will undoubtedly result in koala fatalities and further population decline. 

The bill also does not include potentially the richest and most important koala habitat of Tuckers Nob and Pine Creek which form the critical corridor connecting Bongil Bongil National Park on the coast to Dorrigo National Park. These forests remain classified as plantations, and clear-fell logging is imminent. Similarly, many other areas of plantation that are high in natural and cultural value and essential to the long-term recovery of koala populations remain excluded.

Finally, repeated requests for proper cultural consultation with the Elders of Gumbaynggirr Nation have fallen on deaf ears and the Elders are devastated by the exclusion of ancient cultural sites not being included in the bill. The GKNP’s designated Aboriginal Area has come in at a woeful total of 0.07% which goes to show the sheer lack of consultation with the Gumbaynggirr people.

The Park was envisioned to protect one of Australia’s most important natural and cultural heritage sites. But in the final proposal, the heart of the park has been ripped out. 

We call on the NSW government to declare the park that the koalas and the people of NSW want and deserve.