Government’s extension of Goolawah National Park welcomed

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW and North Coast Environment Council (NCEC) today welcomed
the State government’s extension of the Goolawah National Park near Crescent Head on the mid-north
coast.

The additional 12 hectares of high conservation value land includes glossy black cockatoo habitat,
endangered forest and old growth red gums.

Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Chief Executive Officer, Pepe Clarke said, “The NSW government’s extension of the Goolawah National Park will protect essential wildlife habitat, including the home of threatened bats and koalas.

“With today’s decision, Minister for the Environment Robyn Parker has recognised the long-standing
community campaign led by the North Coast Environment Centre to preserve this wildlife habitat from
inappropriate development. The Goolawah National Park extension is a testament to the passion and
hard work of conservationists, and a local community that treasures its unique natural environment,” he
said.

NCEC’s John Jeayes said, “Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner and former Shadow Minister for the
Environment Catherine Cusack listened carefully to the community, evaluated the science and were
instrumental in achieving this decision.

“The previous Labor government used the planning process, including controversial Part 3A powers to
destroy the amenity of many coastal communities. It’s heartening to see the Coalition has kept this
promise to include this precious area in the adjoining Goolawah National Park.

“There are similar opportunities right along the coast to correct the madness of destroying the very
reason people settled in an area in the first place to accommodate more and more inappropriate
development.

“It’s important for members of the community who fought long and hard to achieve this result to rejoice
and celebrate with the politicians involved. Crescent Head Ratepayers group will soon hold a picnic in the
Goolawah National Park extension to celebrate this important win with the community,” he said.