Zero extinction target for NSW national parks dubbed a 'game changer' by experts

However, that could change under a new plan by NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean, who has set a zero extinction target for NSW national parks and listed 221 sites as being Assets of Intergenerational Significance.

He is hoping the move will help protect 92 "endangered and iconic" species, which is an incredible but ambitious goal according to head of national parks in NSW Atticus Fleming.

"It is a groundbreaking initiative, in many respects a game changer for threatened species," he said.

"These are bold targets as the minister defined them, zero extinctions, so none from national parks as a whole and by 2030 to stabilise or improve the trajectory of all threatened species."

He said if followed through on, the plan would make the state a global leader in the protection of its wildlife.

The move would have a significant impact on tourism in the Tamworth region, which has many significant sites nearby including the Warrabah and Oxley Wild Rivers national parks.

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Removing threats, setting up predator-free areas, and setting up a dedicated ecological risk unit to make sure threatened species are considered in fire plans are among the measures that will be taken.

It will focus on four birds, seven frogs, three reptiles, 13 mammals - including the beloved koala - and 66 plant species.

Mr Fleming said taking such drastic action will require boots on the ground, which means more funding, but said aiming high is the right thing to do.

"Globally we're looking at a million extinctions over the next few decades, Australia has one of the worst extinction rates in the world, so business as usual means more extinctions," he said.

"So this is a radical departure from business as usual."

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