Australia Plans Major National Park to Protect 12,000 Koalas

SNN – The Australian government has announced plans to establish the Great Koala National Park in New South Wales, a large-scale conservation project aimed at protecting koalas and other endangered species.

The proposed park will cover approximately 475,000 hectares, combining existing protected areas with about 176,000 hectares of state forest. Officials say the project is designed to safeguard an estimated 12,000 koalas, as well as dozens of other threatened wildlife species.

The announcement comes as koalas continue to face serious threats, including habitat loss, climate change, disease, and bushfires. In recent years, the species has been officially classified as endangered in several parts of Australia, raising concerns about its long-term survival.

Authorities say the new park will help address one of the biggest challenges facing koalas: fragmented habitats. By connecting forest areas into one large protected zone, the plan is expected to improve movement, breeding, and survival rates for wildlife.

The government has also introduced a temporary ban on native forest logging within the proposed park boundaries and pledged around $140 million in funding to support the transition. Plans are also in place to develop tourism infrastructure, including walking trails and eco-tourism sites.

However, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Environmental groups have welcomed the decision, describing it as a major step toward protecting biodiversity and tackling climate challenges.

On the other hand, representatives from the timber industry and labor groups have raised concerns about potential job losses, warning that the move could affect hundreds of workers in regional areas.

The government has said it will provide support to affected workers and explore alternative employment opportunities, particularly in tourism and conservation sectors.

Officials are also considering using the park for carbon credit programs, which could generate funding for long-term conservation efforts. However, this aspect of the plan still requires further approval.

Final legislation to officially establish the park is expected to be introduced by 2026, as consultations with stakeholders continue.

The plan reflects a broader shift in Australia’s environmental policy, as authorities move toward expanding protected areas while balancing economic and social impacts.