Why the Great Koala National Park is a turning point for koala conservation

Sunday 7 September, Threatened Species Day, marks a milestone for conservation in New South Wales with the official declaration of the Great Koala National Park – a move that will protect 476,000 hectares of forest, including 176,000 hectares of previously unprotected habitat. This is a game-changing moment for koalas and the rich biodiversity of our state.

Protecting vital koala habitat

The park is now one of the largest sanctuaries for koalas in Australia, and will create the largest National Park in New South Wales, providing a safe haven for an estimated 12,000 individuals. Protecting habitat is the single most important factor in ensuring koalas can thrive. By preserving native forest, we are also safeguarding homes for more than 100 other threatened species, such as the greater glider and glossy black-cockatoo.

More than koalas – a boost for biodiversity and communities

While the park has been created to secure the future of koalas, its benefits go far beyond a single species. Tall eucalypt forests within the park provide essential climate refuge for wildlife in the face of rising temperatures. The declaration is also expected to generate around $163 million in regional tourism-led growth, creating opportunities in eco-tourism, outdoor education, and nature-based experiences.

A complementary approach – conservation beyond boundaries

At Koala Conservation Australia, we know that habitat protection is the foundation of survival. But saving koalas requires multiple strategies. That’s why our Wild Koala Breeding Program exists – not to replace habitat protection, but to reinforce it. Our program proactively breeds genetically diverse koalas, and engages communities in hands-on conservation.

Together, habitat protection and targeted intervention provide the best chance for koalas to not only survive, but truly thrive.

Looking ahead

The declaration of the Great Koala National Park is a historic step forward – but it is also the beginning of a new chapter. We must continue working across boundaries, combining conservation programs with strong protections, to ensure koalas remain an enduring symbol of our natural heritage.

At Koala Conservation Australia, our commitment remains simple: to give koalas the future they deserve – safe, thriving, and wild.