Aboriginal rangers to play key role in GKNP

NSW ENVIRONMENT Minister Penny Sharpe was in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, 12 May to outline progress on the delivery of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).

While the central focus of the visit was on consultation with local Aboriginal representatives, the Minister announced other aspects of ongoing planning. 

These included boosting firefighting capacity with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation NSW through more firefighters, new equipment and early detection technologies.

She also discussed refining park boundaries for the best conservation possibilities and working with local tourism, council and other partners to unlock new visitor and recreation opportunities.

“The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature‑based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast,” said Ms Sharpe.

For the first time, the GKNP will appoint NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers, aiming to place Indigenous knowledge at the centre of park management.

The positions will be created through collaboration with Elders and Traditional Owners on the GKNP’s Aboriginal Advisory Panel.

Ms Sharpe acknowledged the area as a significant cultural landscape for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples, home to places of creation, ceremony and spirituality, traditional camps, resource gathering areas and pathways.

“The Great Koala National Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape,” she said.

Glenn Storrie, Principal Project Officer with NPWS, said, “It’s very clear that the community wants both conservation plus access and use.

“We aim to deliver an amazing national park and manage it for the conservation of koalas but also for the fun and enjoyment of the community.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin described the GKNP as a landmark investment for the region, which will provide environmental protection while “driving new local jobs and economic opportunities for our communities”.

Legislation to reserve the GKNP will be prepared later this year.

According to the NSW Government, the final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method, which is progressing following public consultation in January.

The method is expected to be considered by the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.

After the announcement Minister Sharpe met with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour and toured a section of the proposed park.

By Andrew VIVIAN