Releases and Updates
Community Consultation Now Closed | Thank you to all who Contributed
1 March, 2026
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) 'Have Your Say' survey and provided feedback on recreational areas in the newly declared, Great Koala National Park.
NPWS has been working with community groups, recreational clubs and others who care about the park to understand what matters most to them.
The Great Koala National Park will provide habitat for more than 100 threatened species, including more than 12,000 koalas and 36,000 greater gliders. The park will also create opportunities for better visitor experiences and recreation, boosting tourism and local economies.
Dr Marjorie O'Neill is thrilled to see so many in our community submit responses and contribute to shaping the future of the GKNP.
New Great Koala National Park | 476,000 Hectares Protected
7 September, 2025
We are thrilled to share that the Minns Labor Government has confirmed the next major step in delivering on an election commitment to protect koalas in the wild, announcing the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park, alongside a comprehensive plan to support workers, industry and local communities.
The park will reserve 176,000 hectares of state forest and connect with existing national parks to create a 476,000-hectare reserve – one of the largest in NSW.
NSW’s State Fish, the Eastern Blue Groper, will continue being protected
28 February, 2025
The NSW Government has officially made the protection of the Eastern Blue Groper permanent, securing the future of the state’s beloved aquatic emblem. Building on temporary measures introduced earlier this year, the reform ensures that this iconic species is shielded from all forms of fishing across NSW, preserving local biodiversity for generations to come.
This decision is designed to be conservation-first, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding our unique marine environment while ensuring that NSW’s coastal waters remain a vibrant destination for divers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
