Feedback around the NSW government’s Great Koala National Park (GKNP) proposal has been published – what are the main themes?
The proposal would span over 475,000 hectares of protected forest on the Mid-North Coast of NSW, including National Parks, nature reserves, state conservation areas, Aboriginal areas and regional parks.
Recreation and conservation
According to the What we heard report, most people ‘were interested in recreation and conservation, followed by an interest in Aboriginal cultural heritage.’
From page 13 it reads, ‘Survey results indicate that local respondents who visit more frequently tend to focus on recreational use. Non-local respondents who visit less often or have not previously visited, show greater interest in conservation.’
And from page 20, it reads, ‘Your feedback highlights a strong alignment in valuing both conservation and access. Many responses reflect an appreciation for the area’s natural beauty alongside deep emotional connections to the land and way of life. Many of you regard the forest as central to your lifestyle, recreation and wellbeing’.
Recreation opportunities, outstanding conservation values
The NSW government said in a media release the survey, ‘reveals people in the local region and across NSW widely appreciate the area for its recreation opportunities, outstanding conservation values, natural beauty and wellbeing benefits.
‘There is strong support for improved protection for koalas and other threatened species while also ensuring that a broad range of recreational uses are available in the park.
‘This aligns with the Minns Labor Government’s vision for the Great Koala National Park to be one of the most significant conservation initiatives in NSW as well as a must-see destination attracting visitors and contributing to the local economy.
‘Key feedback themes include:
• How people use the area: Bushwalking is the most popular activity, alongside camping, sightseeing, wildlife watching, four-wheel driving, swimming, mountain biking and trail bike riding.
• What people value most: Protecting habitat and wildlife, while continuing opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities people currently enjoy.
• Ideas for the future park: Upgraded trails and infrastructure, new recreation opportunities, supporting education, exploring tourism and nature-based experiences and ongoing community involvement.
‘The consultation is one of the largest ever undertaken for a new national park. It attracted around 4,000 survey responses and involved more than 70 face-to-face meetings, group forums, community events and online sessions.
‘The What We Heard report will be used to inform reserve categories and future management. This is not the end of the consultation: collaboration with Aboriginal stakeholders, neighbours, councils, tourism operators, recreation and conservation groups is ongoing.
‘The NSW Government is working to register a carbon project for the Great Koala National park with the Clean Energy Regulator. The creation of the Park is conditional on the successful registration of this project’.
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