Macarthur branch was established in 1975 as a sub-branch of Sydney Branch, and became a fully autonomous branch in 1987.
Primary activities of the branch are nature talks, and developing proposals for protection of natural areas of the Upper Georges and Bargo-Nepean Rivers. The Branch has a Bushwalking Group and a Bushcare Group.
Key local issues for the branch are the impacts of long wall mining, and protection of koalas and platypuses and their habitat. The branch conducts fauna surveys, especially for platypus in the Georges River.
The Branch has had many successes, including the creation of the Bargo River State Conservation Area (2007) and Dharawal National Park (2012), which followed many years of campaigning.
Branch members that have played a key role in past years include Les Critchley, Keith Longhurst, Verlie Fowler, Grahame Douglas and Tim Carroll. Current key members are Rob and Beth Michie, Pat and Barry Durman, Rowland Ware, and Julie Sheppard.
The branch is currently focused on koala protection in the midst of huge development pressures in Campbelltown; liaison with Wollondilly Shire Council regarding developments that impinge on the Bargo River Gorge, and promotion of a proposal for the Great Upper Georges River NP.
For more information visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/npanswmacarthur/
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