Armidale

Established in 1974, we are fortunate to have some of the founding members still active and inspirational. We aim to connect people with nature in a positive way by visiting national parks, reserves, travelling stock routes, state forests and private properties with permission.

Achievements over the last fifty one years include new reserves in our Region, for example Torrington State Conservation Area and, with Thunghutti support, the creation of Cunnawarra National Park linking New England National Park with Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

We continue to advocate for environmental protection for the western slopes and plains including The Pilliga, and for retaining the natural values of Travelling Stock Routes and Reserves.

We continue to advocate for better protection for our inland rivers, streams and catchment areas. We have saved the Styx and Apsley Rivers several times from uneconomic, environmentally destructive hydro schemes.

There are many threats to terrestrial and riparian fauna and flora in north-west NSW and we work with local organisations to prevent further extinctions as well as to lobby governments to provide more adequate resources and support for environmental agencies.  

• Some Armidale Branch achievements and activities over the last 51 years
• Extinctions and threats to nature in the Northern Tablelands
• An Introduction to New England and North West Region

Pilliga Tag-Along Tour – 3 day mid-week Discovery Tour

3-5 October 2025
Hosted by Pat Schultz

Please note we are not for profit and car sharing is encouraged, as fuel is the largest cost. Self-catering is an option; costs are kept to a minimum. Pat volunteers her time to share her love of the Pilliga. The tour is an introduction to the beautiful forest’s flora and fauna and to Gomeroi/Gamilaraay cultural values. The tour also includes visiting areas that highlight the dire impacts of coal seam gas mining and other threats to this unique area. pdf itinerary for full details.

Bookings essential | Email pat.schultz@bigpond.com | Phone or message Pat 0428 725 852

Want to know more about the Pilliga? 
Watch these short videos by Brian Mahony for a taste of the tour. 
Introduction
Reading the map of the Pilliga
Highlight: Pilliga caves
View from the fire tower

General meetings are aimed for February, May, August, and November and usually have guest speakers with specialist knowledge of ecology, and field experience related to the natural environment, especially issues affecting New England and the north west slopes and plains. They include wildlife or water research, particularly relating to national parks, travelling stock routes and reserves, as well as issues relating to land holders. We also occasionally organise forums.

Committee meetings, on the last Tuesday each month, are held in our homes, and are open to all NPA members to plan activities and action on environmental issues.

Excursions to local reserves and other natural areas ranging from short and easy to longer medium day walks and occasional weekend trips. We aim for the fourth weekend of each month.
Other activities include market and festival stalls, rallies, films.

Working with our local community, scientists, NPA NSW and Forest Advocacy Ministry to protect the environmental and cultural values of public native forests, particularly the Styx River State Forest and The Pilliga Forests. Publications: Breaches and Forest Furphies https://www.unitingearthweb.org.au/forests

Styx River State Forest 60 kms east of Armidale, is of deep traditional significance to Gumbainggirr and Thunghutti people. Other local First Nations such as Anaiwan, and local residents and visitors, also cherish this forest and river. Our Styx is a gateway to World Heritage, internationally declared Gondwana Rainforests in the adjoining world class national parks of New England, Cunnawarra and Oxley Wild Rivers, & adjoins Serpentine and Georges Creek Nature Reserves. It is home to at least 22 endangered terrestrial and riparian species in diverse habitats including rainforest and old growth forest. As an important water catchment area, it is essential to retain undisturbed flora and fauna habitats and water quality for our neighbours downstream in the Macleay Valley. Forestry Corporation has closed most of the Styx forest south of the Armidale-Kempsey Road in a desperate effort to keep community ignorant of areas that are being logged including or planned for logging in the next 6 months in prime endangered greater glider habitat, rainforest and old growth and habitats for other endangered species. With a moratorium for on state forests to the east, we are concerned that there will be an increase effort to log Styx Forest. Learn more about the Styx River State Forest.

Please express your concerns to protect environmental values of the Styx River and Forest  of the Styx River State Forest

The Hon Chris Minns, Premier of NSW
https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/premier-of-nsw/contact-premier
Postal Address: 52 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000

The Hon Penny Sharpe, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Heritage
https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/ministers/minister-environment

• Pilliga Forest – Learn more: read Wonders of the Pilliga
• Travelling Stock Routes and Reserves and Crown Lands
• Water in our Catchment + inland rivers
• Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Storage
• Mining in our Catchment and in the Brigalow Belt 
• Update booklet Family Outings to produce 3^rd edition with electronic version

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Winter 2024

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