Koala Park panel reps selected

City of Coffs Harbour will be represented as the NSW Government moves toward the creation of a Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast. 

The NSW Government committed $80 million in funding over four years to support the development of the park as part of the 2023/24 State Budget. 

The consultation process - as it works toward the park’s formation - includes establishment of three advisory panels (Aboriginal groups, community and industry). 

City of Coffs Harbour along with other regional councils (Kempsey, Nambucca Valley, Bellingen and Clarence) has been invited to be represented on the community panel. 

At its meeting on 14 November, Coffs Harbour Council resolved to nominate Cr Jonathan Cassell to the Great Koala National Park Community Advisory Panel, with Cr Tony Judge as the alternate. 

The NSW Government notes some 176,000 hectares of State Forest will be assessed for inclusion in the Great Koala National Park, along with areas of the existing National Park estate. 

Photo: Cr Jonathan Cassell will represent City of Coffs Harbour on the Great Koala National Park Community Advisory Panel (koala image: Shutterstock).