Independent MPs Greg Piper (Lake Macquarie), Jacqui Scruby (Pittwater), Michael Regan (Wakehurst) and Alex Greenwich (Sydney) have hailed the NSW Government’s long-overdue declaration of the Great Koala National Park as a historic breakthrough, a resounding win for wildlife protection, climate action and regional prosperity. Earlier this year, Jacqui Scruby, Alex Greenwich and Michael Regan visited the proposed park area, and the independents say today’s landmark decision proves the decisive influence of strong, independent voices in Parliament and marks a turning point in the fight to safeguard Australia’s natural heritage.
The new park will permanently protect 176,000 hectares of state forest on the Mid North Coast, a critical step in safeguarding core koala habitat, tackling biodiversity loss, and creating long-term regional economic opportunities. This achievement follows sustained, coordinated advocacy by the three independents, as well as tireless efforts from local communities, businesses, tourism operators and environmental groups, all of which the government has recognised and responded to in delivering this historic outcome.
Earlier this year, the three MPs visited parts of the proposed park, meeting directly with local stakeholders and amplifying calls for the government to act swiftly. All three Independents committed to delivering the park ahead of the 2023 election and have consistently applied pressure in Parliament and in the community to ensure its delivery.
“We have taken koalas, an extraordinary and highly specialised species, to the brink of extinction in the relatively short time since European settlement. This dedicated park will be the most significant step to preserve the species that has occurred in NSW.” Greg Piper MP, Speaker, and member for Lake Macquarie.
“We’ve been relentless in Parliament, in the media and on the ground with communities. One of the most powerful moments was in May, when we brought local businesses into the Premier’s office to share how this park could boost the local economy. It was a deeply moving conversation, and we could see the Premier was genuinely swayed. Today’s announcement shows the real influence independents can have – and how well this government can work with us when we bring our communities’ voices to the table,” said Jacqui Scruby, Member for Pittwater.
“Today’s a great day for koalas, and the transition package shows we can support workers while leaving destructive industries. The Great Koala National Park gives us the best chance to save koalas, greater gliders, and other threatened species now under more pressure than ever. This is the climate and biodiversity leadership NSW needs, and I’m proud independents secured it. My constituents look forward to visiting the park, boosting local economies, and knowing workers are supported through this transition.” said Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney.
"This announcement is incredibly welcome. The Great Koala National Park will protect a vital part of our natural heritage, securing the long-term future of our koala populations, creating jobs, and boosting sustainable tourism in NSW. I'm proud we have worked constructively with the Government and locals to help make this wonderful vision a reality," said Michael Regan, Member for Wakehurst.
The Independents are now pushing the Government to swiftly and fully implement the park including immediate protection of high-value koala habitat, developing a just transition plan for timber workers and their communities, investing in tourism infrastructure and ecological restoration, and establishing complementary conservation corridors and privately protected areas to create a connected landscape for biodiversity.