Category: Nature NSW

New NPA Eurobodalla Branch

Posted by on in Autumn 2025Leave a comment

NPA is pleased to announce the creation of the new Eurobodalla Branch on the NSW south coast.

Geographically, it sits between the Milton and Far South Coast Branches, and encompasses the local government area of Eurobodalla. The main towns are Batemans Bay, Moruya, Tuross Head and Narooma.

Protected Areas include Monga NP, Kooraban NP, Eurobodalla NP, Deua NP, Gulaga NP, Murramarang NP and Batemans MP.

The Eurobodalla Branch will have two focus areas:

  • Advocacy for the protection and conservation of natural areas, including supporting actions to end logging of native forests and the creation of the Southern Forest National Park.
  • A walks program to connect people of all ages and levels of fitness with nature.

NPA Eurobodalla will work with the Far South Coast and Milton branches of NPA NSW on the flagship Southern Forest National Park proposal that is being developed. See project update by Kate Carroll in this edition of Nature NSW.

Visit the Eurobodalla Branch website or the Facebook page to learn more or contact Joslyn van der Moolen by email euro@npansw.org.au.

Land and Environment Court issue record penalty for land clearing

Posted by on in Autumn 2025Leave a comment

Dr Jonathon Howard, NPA Executive Member

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is reporting that Auen Grain Pty Ltd and a landowner have been fined more than $2 million plus $278,000 in prosecution costs, by the NSW Land and Environment Court for unlawfully clearing 1,262 hectares of native vegetation. The landowner’s fine of more than $1 million is the largest ever imposed in NSW on an individual, and the highest under NSW legislation. 

The sentence was imposed after Auen Grain Pty Ltd and the landowner were found guilty by the Court on 23 December 2022 of eight separate land clearing events between December 2016 and January 2019 involving the removal of native vegetation on a property known as ‘Boolcarrol’, northwest of Narrabri. 

The Court heard that six of the clearing events were contrary to Section 12 of the Native Vegetation Act 2003, and two of the clearing events were contrary to Section 60N of the Local Land Services Act 2013. 

The clearing resulted in the loss of a significant area of remnant vegetation, including Coolibah-Black Box Woodland, an endangered ecological community listed under both the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

These woodlands are only found in the upper Murray-Darling Basin and the southern Fitzroy River system.  In NSW, the majority of the community occurs within the Darling Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions. Land clearing continues to threaten Coolibah – Black Box Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt South, with rates of declines averaging 1.4-2.1% per annum. 

The cleared area on ‘Boolcarrol’ where this incident occurred included critical habitat for 30 threatened species, including the Glossy Black Cockatoo, Pale-headed Snake, Spotted Harrier, and Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat. 

Landholders are strongly encouraged to contact Local Land Services (LLS) for advice before they start any land management activities. LLS is there to help the community understand their land management options and obligations. Further information can be found on the Local Land Services website. 

Ingrid Emery, Executive Director Regional Delivery, Biodiversity Science and Conservation (DCCEEW) said “It was disappointing to learn that an area larger than the size of Sydney Airport had been cleared to make way for a private airstrip, crops and cattle yards, at a time when NSW is losing critical biodiversity. 

“We are pleased with the outcome of this case, particularly given the landholder’s prior convictions for similar offenses. Native vegetation plays a critical role in supporting biodiversity, protecting threatened species, and maintaining ecosystem health”. 

The significant penalty imposed by the NSW Land and Environment Court reflects the gravity of the environmental harm caused and sends a strong message about the importance of safeguarding our natural heritage. 

Further reading 

Land and Environment Court Judgement: https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/1937538a16cf0a51811f9adb    

Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/29/nsw-farmer-fined-land-clearning-koala-habitat

Nature Kids Autumn 2025

Posted by on in Autumn 2025Leave a comment

Turn awe into action for our flora & fauna

When is bad news also good news?

In 2024, 21 animals, 20 plants and one ecological community were added to Australia’s list of threatened flora, fauna and ecological communities, which now totals 2,142.

Any listing is bad news, but official recognition of threatened flora and fauna species is hopefully a step towards better looking after them.

Learn about some of the newly listed threatened species like Pugh’s Frog, the New England Leaf-tailed Gecko and migratory birds such as the Black-tailed Godwit.

Ever seen a Kaputar slug?

This dazzling bright pink/red slug can grow up to 20cm long and 6cm wide!

But it is hard to spot because it is only found in one place: Mount Kaputar, an extinct volcano in a national park near Narrabri in northern NSW. Its habitat is listed as a threatened ecological community.

Bushfires in 2019 killed an estimated 90% of the Kaputar slug population. But thankfully numbers are recovering, as evidenced by the Slug Sleuth app where citizen scientists and park visitors can post sightings to help the National Parks and Wildlife Service monitor the slugs.

Check out some photos of the slug and find out more about the NPWS project to care for this unique animal.

Rock-wallabies move home by helicopter

In January 2025, 12 endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies moved by helicopter within Warrumbungle National Park to a newly established feral cat-free and fox-free area. This translocation is part of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s threatened species conservation program and commitment to zero extinctions in NSW national parks.

See pictures of the rock-wallabies translocation and find out more about the NPWS conservation program.

Imagine …

reducing your contribution to landfill, and only putting your red household waste bin out for collection once in a whole year!

That’s what Ernie Harbott, the founder of Singleton Soil Sisters did in 2024. She maximised composting, recycling and reusing, as well as minimising purchase of packaged items. Sounds simple …

Find out more about how this sustainable living educator reduced her household waste and DO try this at home

Birds & Bees vs Rodents

Pollinators are living or non-living things – like animals or wind – that help plants reproduce by transferring pollen within or between flowers.

Most of us know that bees are pollinators, as well as birds such as the Regent Honeyeater. But did you know that rodents can also pollinate plants?

It’s only since 2023 that research has found both native and invasive rodents (rats & mice) can also play a key role in pollinating Banksia species.

Take a look at some pictures of rodent pollinators in action and learn more about ongoing research.

NPA Volunteer Awards – Autumn 2025

Posted by on in Autumn 2025Leave a comment

The NPA Volunteer Awards are mostly announced at the Annual Dinner and reported in the Summer edition of Nature NSW. Exceptions are for Local Achievement Awards, that are often announced by the Branch at their own end of year events.

NPA is pleased to report on the following Local Achievement Award.

Local Achievement Award – for wide-ranging contribution to a Branch over a substantial period of time.

Pam McCann (Central Coast Branch)

Pam is an absolute cornerstone of NPA Central Coast Branch and an invaluable representative within the wider NPA NSW organisation. She has contributed way above and beyond in the role of Secretary of our Branch. Pam is an enthusiastic leader who is able to bring people together and use her knowledge and expertise to advance shared goals. Her love of, and tireless work to promote and protect, our natural environment is inspirational to all. 

  • Pam has been a diligent and enthusiastic member of the Central Coast chapter for 10 years. 
  • She has been Branch Secretary for the last 6 years and regional delegate as well. 
  • She has coordinated the quarterly meeting and AGM, sending out agendas, producing minutes and organising guest speakers. She also organised leader training days and grant applications. 
  • Her knowledge of the local Council has assisted with her ability to produce submissions to protect and enhance our Coastal Open Space System (COSS) lands and the local environment.
  • Pam initiated and co-ordinates a Conservation group within the branch, with a team of interested members who raise awareness of issues which affect our local natural environment and advocate for appropriate protections. 

Decisive spot, decisive moments 

Posted by on in Summer 2024Leave a comment

Gary Dunnett, Chief Executive Office

Photographing wildlife, flora and landscapes always makes me happy, irrespective of whether I’m walking in an alpine wilderness, diving an offshore reef or strolling through a botanic garden.  Despite enjoying the remote and spectacular, my favourite photography locations are those where I feel a deep connection.  The places you visit again and again, where you slowly come to appreciate the occupants and their habits.    

Read More “Decisive spot, decisive moments “

NSW ‘Love Our Sanctuaries’ film nights

Posted by on in Summer 2024Leave a comment

James Sherwood, Conservation Campaigner

NPA NSW recently completed co-hosting the Love Our Sanctuaries film nights with the Australian Marine Conservation Society, highlighting the low levels of marine sanctuary protection across NSW’s six bioregions. Nine events were held across twelve days, stretching from Coffs Harbour to Merimbula. Over 1,200 people registered for the free events which were all well attended.  

Read More “NSW ‘Love Our Sanctuaries’ film nights”