
12 Sept 2025
The NSW Wildlife Council (NWC) welcomes the creation of the Great Koala National Park, protecting 476,000 hectares of forest – including 176,000 hectares of previously unprotected native forest
This landmark decision is a bold step forward for koala conservation, safeguarding habitat for an estimated 12,000 koalas and preserving biodiversity for more than 100 threatened species, including the greater glider and glossy black-cockatoo.
The park is now one of the largest sanctuaries for koalas in Australia, and the Great Koala National Park ensures that these forests will continue to provide shelter, food, and climate refuge for generations to come.
Acting NWC Chair, Sonja Elwood, said, “While the park has been created to secure the future of koalas, its benefits go far beyond a single species. Tall eucalypt forests within the park provide essential climate refuge for wildlife in the face of rising temperatures.”
Ms Elwood said, “The declaration of the Great Koala National Park is a historic step however, we must continue strengthening our conservation programs to give Australian wildlife a positive future so they are all safe and thriving in the wild.”
About the NSW Wildlife Council –
The NSW Wildlife Council, (NWC) is the peak policy body for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in NSW. NWC represents 29 groups, comprising statewide and regional wildlife rehabilitators supporting over 5,500 members. The NWC adopts collaborative approaches to achieve desired outcomes in wildlife care. This collaboration is shown through its strong relationship with other wildlife rescue groups, the veterinary community, the Veterinary Practitioners Board and government departments.


