Legislation to establish the Great Koala National Park on the NSW Mid North Coast has passed State Parliament, clearing one of the final steps towards creation of the new protected area.
The National Park Estate (Great Koala National Park Reservations) Bill 2026 will add more than 178,000 hectares of state forest and Crown land to the national parks estate.
Combined with existing parks and reserves, the Great Koala National Park will cover more than 475,000 hectares and protect habitat for an estimated 12,000 koalas and more than 100 other threatened species.
Carbon Project Also Approved
The legislation follows approval by the Commonwealth Clean Energy Regulator of the carbon project associated with the Great Koala National Park.
The project has been registered under the Improved Native Forest Management method within the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme.
Registration was a key condition for progressing the reservation of the land as national park. Carbon revenue generated through the project is intended to contribute to the long-term management and conservation of the forests.
The NSW Government has also stated that carbon credits generated through the project will not be available for use by coal and gas projects.
Recreation to Continue Across the Park
The new park will include different reserve categories, allowing a range of recreational activities to continue alongside conservation.
Activities including camping, canoeing, mountain-bike riding, bushwalking and other forms of outdoor recreation will remain available in designated areas.
The final management arrangements will continue to be shaped through park planning and consultation with local communities and Traditional Owners.
New National Parks Jobs
Around 100 new NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service roles are being created to support park operations, conservation and fire management.
The legislation also provides a pathway for eligible Forestry Corporation of NSW employees affected by the transition to move into suitable NPWS positions.
Separate assistance remains available for affected forestry workers and businesses, including redundancy support, retraining, upskilling and other financial assistance.
Aboriginal Involvement in Park Management
The Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples have been involved in planning for the Great Koala National Park and are expected to continue contributing to its management.
Eight Aboriginal ranger positions will be supported through community-controlled organisations, while some NPWS positions associated with the park will be identified for Aboriginal applicants.
Park Expected Before End of 2026
The legislation has now passed both houses of NSW Parliament, although the Parliament’s current bill record lists it as awaiting assent.
With the parliamentary process substantially complete and the carbon project registered, the NSW Government says the Great Koala National Park remains on track to be formally established before the end of 2026.
The park will become one of the largest protected areas in NSW and represents a major expansion of the state’s national park estate.