Council Reaffirms Support for the Great Koala National Park
Published on 25 July 2025
Image: Dorrigo National Park
Bellingen Shire Council has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the establishment of the Great Koala National Park, continuing a series of commitments made over the past eight years to protect koala habitat, safeguard biodiversity, and promote sustainable, nature-based tourism in the region.
Council first resolved to support the Great Koala National Park in principle in August 2017. Since then, it has actively contributed to progressing the vision for the park, including allocating $25,000 from its Environment Levy Reserve in 2019 to co-fund the Economic Impact Analysis and Environmental Benefit Assessment of the GKNP with Coffs Harbour City Council and Destination North Coast.
In September 2022, Council formally recognised the concerns of North Coast communities about the need for improved management of State Forests to protect threatened species habitat, enhance carbon sequestration and support the growing nature-based tourism sector.
Council noted then — and continues to maintain — that native forest logging is incompatible with the State’s significant investment in eco-tourism, climate change action and biodiversity protection.
The Council’s advocacy is underscored by the alarming findings of the NSW State of the Environment Report 2021, which highlighted the ongoing decline of threatened species such as the Koala, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Greater Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider and Spotted Quoll — all found within the forests of the Bellingen Shire.
Most recently, in April 2024, Council noted the overwhelming community support for protecting native forests within our region. Council remains deeply concerned about Forestry Corporation NSW’s reported increase in logging within the proposed park’s boundaries including critical koala habitat in Tuckers Nob, Oakes and Pine Creek State Forests.
Mayor Steve Allan said, “Council stands with our community in calling for the NSW Government to fulfil its commitment to the Great Koala National Park and to end the uncertainty that currently exists. We continue to urge the State Government to develop a fair transition plan for Forestry Corporation NSW’s native forest operations towards ecologically sustainable plantations and farm forestry that protects local jobs while securing our natural heritage for future generations.”
Council will continue to advocate strongly to the NSW Premier and relevant Ministers to protect our region’s iconic biodiversity and ensure that the forests of the Bellingen Shire become a cornerstone of a thriving, sustainable nature-based tourism economy.