The Australian government is set to finalize a major conservation project, the Great Koala National Park, which will connect existing reserves and state forests to form one of New South Wales' largest protected wildlife areas, ensuring habitat connectivity for koalas.
- Great Koala National Park will protect about 20% of NSW's wild koalas
- The park links conservation reserves and state forests over 1,900 square miles
- Koalas are officially endangered in Australia since 2022
What happened
After a 13-year campaign led by environmental and grassroots groups, the New South Wales government announced the creation of the Great Koala National Park in September 2025. Covering roughly 5,000 square kilometers, this new park will connect existing conservation reserves with state forests along the mid-north coast, creating an extensive wildlife corridor.
The park aims to protect the habitats of wild koalas, which have experienced severe population declines due to habitat loss and industrial forestry practices. The government has temporarily halted logging within the park’s boundaries while finalizing the designation, with an official completion expected in 2026.
Why it feels good
This effort represents one of the most significant conservation victories in New South Wales in decades. By linking fragmented koala habitats, the park addresses one of the biggest threats to wildlife survival: habitat fragmentation. Experts estimate the park will protect about 20% of the state’s remaining koala population, a critical step to halting their decline.
Furthermore, the park reconnects vital subtropical coastal rainforests, providing safe migration corridors for koalas and other wildlife. This restoration of forest connectivity not only improves biodiversity but also honors decades of advocacy by dedicated environmentalists like Mark Graham, who witnessed the shift from sustainable forestry to widespread habitat bulldozing.
What to enjoy or watch next
As the park’s official designation moves forward, conservationists and the public can look forward to monitoring its positive impact on local koala populations. Recent surveys using drones have already begun to provide a clearer estimate of koala numbers within this region, showing promise that populations may recover as habitats are fully protected from logging.
Interest in koala protection is also expected to grow, with the Great Koala National Park setting a new precedent for large-scale habitat conservation in Australia. Visitors can anticipate new opportunities to experience these unique forests and the beloved koalas they shelter, making it a must-watch conservation success story in the years ahead.