BELLINGEN Shire Council has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the establishment of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), continuing a series of commitments made over the past eight years to protect koala habitat, safeguard biodiversity, and promote sustainable, nature-based tourism in the region.
Since Council first resolved to support the GKNP in principle in August 2017, it has actively contributed to the realisation of the park, including allocating $25,000 from its Environment Levy Reserve in 2019 to co-fund the Economic Impact Analysis and Environmental Benefit Assessment with Coffs Harbour City Council and Destination North Coast.
In September 2022, the Council formally recognised the concerns of North Coast communities about the need for improved management of State Forests to protect threatened species habitat, enhance carbon sequestration and support the growing nature-based tourism sector.
It noted then, and continues to maintain, that native forest logging is incompatible with the state’s significant investment in eco-tourism, climate change action and biodiversity protection.
In April 2024, the Council noted the overwhelming community support for protecting native forests within the region and remains deeply concerned about Forestry Corporation’s reported increase in logging within the proposed park’s boundaries, including critical koala habitat in Tuckers Nob, Oakes and Pine Creek State Forests.
It was alarmed by the findings of the NSW State of the Environment Report 2021, which highlighted the ongoing decline of threatened species such as the Koala, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Greater Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider and Spotted Quoll, which are all found within the forests of the Bellingen Shire.
Conservation Groups have welcomed the Shire’s support.
Dailan Pugh, who is on the Community Advisory Panel for the Park, said that Bellingen Shire Council reflects the overwhelming community support for the GKNP, and the growing frustration with the government’s continued logging of koala habitat.
“The Community Advisory Panel was told in December that a decision was imminent, and we have been told “soon” ever since,” he said.
“It’s past time for the Government to honour their promise, create the Great Koala National Park in full, and stop logging koalas’ homes.”
The Bellingen Environment Centre secretary Catherine Jones said, “We are grateful that the Bellingen Shire and its Mayor continue to support the Great Koala National Park as did other Councils.
“They were on the forefront with their strong commitment and endorsement since its inception and also made a substantial financial contribution, as did Coffs Council, towards the Newcastle University report which said the GKNP, when established, would deliver nine thousand jobs.
“Koalas need their GKNP now.
“The longer Minns waits the harder it will be to rehabilitate.”
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan said, “Council stands with our community in calling for the NSW Government to fulfil its commitment to the Great Koala National Park and to end the uncertainty that currently exists.
“We continue to urge the State Government to develop a fair transition plan for Forestry Corporation NSW’s native forest operations towards ecologically sustainable plantations and farm forestry that protects local jobs while securing our natural heritage for future generations.”
Bellingen Shire Council said it will continue to advocate for the protection of the region’s iconic biodiversity to ensure that the forests of the Bellingen Shire become a cornerstone of a thriving, sustainable nature-based tourism economy.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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