‘Overwhelming’ support for NSW’s koala park defies ‘false conflict’: activists

A controversial project that could transform swathes of one Australian state forever has “overwhelming support”, new polling has revealed.

New polling has revealed “overwhelming support” for the establishment of a Great Koala National Park in northern NSW, by those living closest to the area.

The park, which aims to preserve prime koala habitat, was an election pledge of Labor Premier Chris Minns and was promised $80m over four years in last year’s budget.

New polling by Pyxis Polling has revealed up 73 per cent of people in the three local government areas bordering the park support its establishment.

In Coffs Harbour, 70 per cent of respondents said they supported the proposed koala park, while in Port Macquarie 73 per cent did the same, and 64 per cent in Oxley.

Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation executive director Lyndon Schneiders said the polling showed up the “false conflict” about support for natural preservation.

“It’s often said by those that support the status quo and who are advocates for native forest logging that the only people that support environmental outcomes are people living in the cities,” he said.

“I think what’s really important about this poll is it confirms … that the folks that actually live in the forestry areas know that something has changed and support the environment as much as people do in the city.

The park is located in prime koala habitat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

A map of the proposed Great Koala National Park. Picture: Supplied

The final size of the park, which could be up to 176,000 hectares, is yet to be determined, with ecologists frustrated by slow progress and continued logging in the state forests.

According to the poll, support for the national park was particularly high among women and younger voters.

In Port Macquarie, 81 per cent of women supported the establishment of the GKNP compared to 64 per cent of men.

Critically, approval also crossed party lines, with almost 50 per cent of National voters in Coffs Harbour and Oxley voicing support.

“When we see support crossing political lines, it demonstrates just how much the community values koalas and their habitat,” Mr Schneiders said.

“Voters understand native forests are worth more to the region if they’re protected and preserved, rather than chopped down for low-value products exported overseas.”

He described the recent by-election in Port Macquarie as a “referendum” on the park, not because of the result but because neither conservative candidate had mentioned it.

“This poll tells us those folks (in the regions) have seen the change,” he said.

Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation Executive Director Lyndon Schneiders said the poling refuted “false conflict”.

“If you live in this part of the north coast, you live there because of the gorgeous beaches. You live there because of the forest, the wildlife.

“What people in these regions have seen over the past 20 years is the disappearance of animals such as the koala.

“Both sides of conservative politics know the community wants to protect the environment.

“Neither of the major parties that were contesting that by-election wanted to make this a polarising issue”.

The NSW government is expected to soon determine the final size of the park following a “comprehensive assessment and engagement process”.

Mr Schneiders said activists had anticipated that it would be determined before Christmas 2024, and called on the Premier and to “give some direction”.

“All the detailed work, the modelling, the economic assessments, the environmental surveys, are in,” he said.

“So we’re really waiting for the NSW cabinet to make a final decision, and we hope that’s going to be imminent”.

Originally published as ‘Overwhelming’ support for NSW’s koala park defies ‘false conflict’: activists