Koalas in south-west Sydney have a powerful new ally: the newly established Warranmadhaa (Georges River Koala National Park), which now protects 962 hectares of vital habitat between Long Point and Appin, right in the heart of the Campbelltown electorate.
“This is one of the most important in the state for koala conservation,” said Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, confirming $48.2 million has been committed to establishing and managing the park.
Plans are already in motion to expand the reserve to 1,830 hectares—creating a critical corridor linking Campbelltown to the Southern Highlands.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren hailed the move as a win for the community, saying, “Our community has an expectation that wildlife in our region, particularly our koalas, are protected and safeguarded.”
The park, established under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, also preserves endangered ecosystems such as Cumberland Plain Woodland and Shale Sandstone Transition Forest, while balancing the need for new housing across Western Sydney.
New walking trails, education hubs, ecotourism opportunities, and strengthened bushfire buffers are all part of the park’s design.
Importantly, the name Warranmadhaa, chosen in consultation with the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, honours the deep connection of Traditional Custodians to the Georges River landscape.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Darcy Lound, called it “a step forward in conserving the local koala population,” while Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould added, “A National Park in this area will help protect valuable koala corridors… while embracing the natural bushland that is an essential part of our beautiful Wollondilly Shire.”
Minister for Planning Paul Scully summed it up, saying, “This is a strategic approach… balancing urban development with the protection of important biodiversity.”
