Koalas are an internationally recognised icon of our country. They are an irreplaceable part of our identity and a unique species that plays a vital role in our environment. Our State is home to a significant population of koalas; however, we know the reality is that a combination of industry and the impacts of climate change have placed our koala population under serious threat that the koala is at risk of extinction. That is why the Minns Labor Government made a clear and firm commitment when it was elected in 2023 to establish the Great Koala National Park to create a permanent sanctuary for this iconic species.

The Great Koala National Park is one of the Minns Labor Government's most important commitments. It has $80 million allocated to it, and the assessment of 176,000 hectares of State forest is nearly complete. While that assessment is carried out, the Government has directed that forestry operations stop in koala hubs. The Labor Government's commitment to the Great Koala National Park continues a proud tradition of Labor leadership in conservation, a legacy that dates back decades. In fact, in the 1990s and early 2000s it was the Great Koala National Park that led the largest expansion of national parks in our State's history, protecting over two million hectares of wilderness and creating or expanding more than 300 national parks and reserves.

It was under Premier Carr that iconic areas such as the Pilliga Forest, the Goulburn River National Park and parts of the Upper North East forest were secured for future generations. The Conservation Act of 1995 established critical protections for endangered species and habitats and created the first of the State's marine parks, safeguarding incredibly important parts of our State, like the Solitary Islands and Jarvis Bay. That Labor legacy is one of bold action and environmental foresight, and the Great Koala National Park builds on that legacy to meet the challenges of today. Recently I had the opportunity to meet with many residents from my community who have expressed their deep concern for the future of koalas and other native species. One passionate local, Vanessa, told me:

This area is considered essential for creating a well‑connected, resilient, and diverse park that can support a future for koalas and other flora and fauna.

Community members know what is at stake. They emphasised to me just how important it is that the Government acts now to complete the survey of the 176,000 hectares of State forest, to gazette the national park—the bigger the better—and to protect that critical wilderness forever. Activist groups and environmentally concerned citizens have called for the Government to act. It has been a very long campaign. I acknowledge the work and passion—and indeed the frustrations—of those people and their unwavering commitment. The Knitting Nannas, the North East Forest Alliance, the National Parks Association, the Great Koala National Park campaign and many more people have campaigned for the park.

One of the most critical responsibilities any government has is to protect and preserve the environment, biodiversity and the planet for generations to come. The Great Koala National Park will play a key role in that mission. It will provide critical protection for koala habitat and safeguard the plants and animals that make up the uniquely Australian ecosystems. But the park will also be a place of learning where locals and tourists alike can experience firsthand the wonder of our native landscape and understand why it is so worth preserving. It will also be an incredible boon for our economy. It is projected to generate an additional $1.2 billion and thousands of local jobs. Local businesses are great supporters of the creation of the Great Koala National Park.

The Government is acutely aware that the park must be implemented fairly. We cannot leave behind those that will be affected. Only a Labor Government has the commitment to balance environmental interests, social interests and economic interests. It is critical to engage community activists and workers. The Minns Labor Government will deliver a Great Koala National Park to secure a thriving future for the people, animals and environment of our great State.