National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) welcomes Environment Minister Matt Kean’s renewed commitment to the expansion of national parks and reserves.
Late last week Minister Kean announced the gazettal of Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park, as well as additions to a further 12 reserves, and committed to adding at least 400,000 hectares of new reserves by 2022.
“NPA warmly welcomes Mr Kean’s commitment to addressing the serious gaps in the delivery of Comprehensive, Representative and Adequate protected area network, one that includes reserves in all of our state’s bioregions.” NPA Executive Officer Gary Dunnett said.
“In NSW there are still large areas of critically important wildlife habitat that urgently need to be added to our national park estate, including the proposed Great Koala National Park, much of which is still subject to logging”, continued Mr Dunnett.
“Creating a large and diverse national park system will not only protect our unique wildlife, it will also secure our own future by providing us with clean air, reliable water, and capturing carbon.
“If delivered, this will be one of the most significant contributions to our terrestrial reserve system in recent times, and it could not come at a more crucial time.
“NPA looks forward to working with the minister, offering our 60+ years of experience in protected area creation.
ENDS
Media Inquiries: NPA Executive Officer, Gary Dunnett 02 9299 0000