Great Koala National Park will bring economic opportunities to the mid north coast through iconic tourist experiences Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - July 29, 2020 Kevin Evans, representative of the Great Koala National Park, at the GKNP Visitor Centre ARE you looking for some information on the future of our koalas? Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au If you like the thought of strolling around informative displays, watching videos and checking out koala merchandise, why not head over to the Great Koala National Park Information and Visitors Centre. The fresh, refurbished building is on the site of the old Urunga Visitors Centre, cnr Giinagay Way and Bellingen Street. The proposed Great Koala National Park would add State forests to existing protected areas to form a 315,000 ha reserve and provide security for the local koala population. Economic benefits are expected to flow from a range of nature-based activities which would bring tourists and jobs to the area. Kevin Evans, representative of the Great Koala National Park Steering Committee, told News Of The Area, “We now have the opportunity to compete with Tasmania in providing iconic tourism experiences such as horse riding trails and bike tracks, and multi-day bushwalking hikes.” “These activities can take place without damaging the environment.” “The GKNP will eventually happen and it will be the jewel in the crown for nature based tourism on the mid north coast,” he said. “However, for this to occur it will take local political support and State government leadership.” “It’s up to all of us to encourage our elected members to think big and support the future economies on this mid north coast.” Kevin said, “Unfortunately the COVID pandemic has put back our planned launch activities.” “But if you want to support the GKNP we’re also looking for more volunteers for the Visitor Centre.” Opening hours are Thursday to Sunday, 10.00am to 2.00pm. You can find the volunteers application form at https://forms.gle/SedvXyG2bbmobAZv5 By Monika KOZLOVSKIS
Let’s all get behind this proposal. At last an alternative which not only secures the future of our beautiful natural hinterland and it’s wildlife but gives visitors a real alternative to our beaches and estuaries. It also offers great potential for nature based tourism and training opportunities for our young people. Reply
