Koala habitat is set to be better protected in NSW with the creation of the new Guula Ngurra National Park in the Southern Highlands.
Located about 25 kilometres northwest of Bowral, the new 3,358 hectare Guula Ngurra National Park comprises what was the 2,148 hectare Tugalong Station, the 402 hectare Little Forest West property and a 808 hectare outlier of Bangadilly National Park.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the creation of the national park was an important step to securing the future of koalas in the wild.
“The Aboriginal traditional owners recommended we name this new national park ‘Guula Ngurra’ which translates to ‘Koala Country’ because of the importance of the habitat,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for the Environment, Matt Kean said increasing the national park estate by 200,000 hectares was one of his key priorities and this reservation, together with recent purchases, would see that goal exceeded.
“This new national park is home to a staggering 139 species, more than 20 of which are threatened, including the koala, glossy black cockatoo, flame robin and squirrel glider,” Mr Kean said.
“I also want to thank the local community and the Aboriginal traditional elders for working with us to create this new national park, which is home to a number of important cultural heritage sites,” he said.
Mr Kean said the land purchase was made possible due to a valuable contribution by the NSW Environmental Trust.
