The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Australia welcomes the NSW Government's commitment to the creation of the Great Koala National Park as an important step toward meeting the global biodiversity target of protecting 30% of land, freshwater and sea by 2030, known as '30x30'.
Once established the new park will permanently safeguard 176,000 hectares of public land on the Mid North Coast, securing critical habitat and strengthening ecological connectivity.
"We applaud Premier Chris Minns and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe for their announcement of the new Great Koala National Park, which represents a historic protection of an iconic natural asset that will benefit both the state's biodiversity conservation and community for generations to come," said Dr James Fitzsimons, Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies of TNC.
"As the nation works towards achieving Australia's 30x30 target, dedicating suitable areas of public land as protected areas is an important tool for governments to deliver their commitments to a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system.''
The announcement fulfills an election commitment by Premier Minns, and includes a $60 million investment to establish the park, an immediate moratorium on timber harvesting within its boundaries, and a support package for workers and communities in the region.
"The NSW Government's plan for the Great Koala National Park reflects a whole-of-landscape approach that integrates biodiversity protection and community wellbeing during times of economic transition - it's about safeguarding and restoring ecological integrity and creating a legacy of conservation that benefits people and planet," added Lara Gallagher, TNC Australia Country Director.
TNC Australia recognises the contributions of First Nations communities, local conservation groups and scientific institutions whose tireless efforts over many years have made this achievement possible.
Mike Roache, TNC's Interim Director of Conservation welcomed the announcement while highlighting the need for State governments across Australia to accelerate their efforts towards achieving 30x30.
"We urge all levels of government to accelerate actions to meet Australia's 30x30 target. This includes a significant funding package by the Commonwealth and State governments for land acquisitions, continued public land use upgrades, new and expanded Indigenous Protected Areas and conservation covenanting programs on private land."
In November 2023, TNC, Pew Charitable Trusts, the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) and WWF-Australia released the 'Pathways to 30x30' report. Written by scientists and policy experts, the Pathways report provides a blueprint for how Australia can meet its commitment to 30x30.
