It took over 223 days to establish the Community, Industry, and Aboriginal Advisory groups for the Great Koala National Park, following the election of the NSW Government, which had made the creation of this park its key environmental pledge.
The three advisory panels, each representing the perspectives of industry, the local community, and Aboriginal groups, will play a pivotal role in providing feedback on the land assessment process for potential inclusion in the Great Koala National Park.
These panels will also supply crucial information pertaining to economic, social, ecological, and cultural considerations. They have been formed to ensure a diverse representation of stakeholder viewpoints and to facilitate the exchange of essential data and information. Their inaugural meetings are scheduled to take place before the year’s end.
Throughout this period, the degradation of habitat in native forests due to logging persisted without interruption. It was only on September 12 that the Government finally announced that a mere 4.7% of the envisioned National Park would be safeguarded from logging while the necessary establishment procedures were carried out.
| Timber harvesting activities have been halted in 106 key koala hubs within the areas under consideration for park inclusion. These hubs represent regions with robust evidence of multi-generational, high-density populations of these iconic creatures, encompassing 42% of all recorded koala sightings in state forests within the assessment area since the year 2000. |
Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment Sue Higginson said “The establishment of these advisory groups should provide some reassurance to communities on the Mid-North Coast. They will provide a great resource to the State, but why has it taken 223 days for these groups to be announced and it’s wrong that they have to work whilst grappling with the continued logging of the park.”
“There is still no announcement on the timeline for establishing the Great Koala National park but we do know that it is unlikely to happen before the budget next year which means that critical areas of regional koala significance will continue to be logged without any additional protections,”
“It is wrong politically, socially, economically and environmentally to be delaying the establishment of the Great Koala National Park whilst continuing an exploitative and extractive industry like native forest logging. Every day logging in the Great Koala National Park continues is a cost to NSW and is a day of political failure.”
The establishment of the Great Koala National Park involves additional components, including an independent assessment of economic and social impacts, with a focus on the consequences for local jobs and communities. There will be a comprehensive environmental and cultural assessment to safeguard the distinct environmental and cultural heritage of the region.
The new NSW ALP Government is balancing their commitment to protect koalas in their natural habitat while sustaining a viable timber industry. $80 million has been earmarked for the Great Koala National Park in the 2023-2024 NSW Budget.
Premier Chris Minns, said:
“The Industry, Community and Aboriginal Advisory Panels will ensure we consult with all stakeholders, to create a park that will both protect our native animals and create job, tourism and other economic opportunities on the Mid North Coast of NSW.” Premier Chris Minns, said
NSW Premier Chris Minns, along with Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe and Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, paid a visit to Bongil Bongil National Park near Coffs Harbour. Their purpose was to witness the specific regions that will be integrated into the park and to engage with scientists employing drone technology to enhance the accuracy of the koala population count in New South Wales.
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, said:
“The government looks forward to working closely with the Industry, Community and Aboriginal Advisory Panels as the areas for inclusion in the park are assessed, and to receiving a wide range of knowledge and advice.
“The creation of a Great Koala National Park is the Labor Government’s most significant environmental commitment.” Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, said
Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment Sue Higginson said
“These Advisory Groups should have been established within days of this Government being elected and given the mountains of research and public consultation that has already occurred on the Great Koala National Park, it could have been Gazetted immediately,”
“The community and First Nations people of the Mid-North Coast have been calling for an end to logging in the Great Koala National Park for over a decade,” Ms Higginson said.
Related Stories
Our Forestry & Koala feature stories
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital well worth a visit!
The Great Koala National Park without any Koalas
Greater Glider heading for extinction
EPA’s Stop Work Order on logging in Tallaganda State Forest
