The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust has reached a deal with Bush Heritage Australia and South Endeavour Trust to permanently protect 31,266 hectares of private land at Naree and Yantabulla Stations.
Former Minister for Environment James Griffin said the two stations, which lie adjacent to each other in north-west NSW, make up a massive swathe of land which will now remain protected in-perpetuity, marking a major win for biodiversity in the region.
“This is a NSW Government commitment of $8.9 million to support the rich biodiversity in this part of the state, and it’s a great example of what government and private organisations can achieve when working together to protect and conserve our environment,” Mr Griffin said.
“At least 60 per cent of Australia’s land is privately owned or managed, and many important ecosystems are found on private land, which is why conservation agreements like these are so important.
“These two massive sites, which are on the traditional Country of the Budjiti people, are home to nationally significant wetlands for waterbird feeding and breeding.
“The wetlands form part of the Paroo River catchment, which is the last free-flowing river of the Murray Darling Basin. It’s considered among the top 20 sites for waterbirds in Australia.
“These two conservation agreements are pivotal for the many species that rely on the protection of these unique ecosystems to breed, rest and survive.”
Naree and Yantabulla Stations are areas of great ecological significance, supporting:
More than 187 water bird species, many of which are threatened
At least 15 mammal species, including the vulnerable striped-faced dunnart, sandy inland mouse, and little pied bat
At least 350 native plant species, among 16 vegetation communities
Important habitat for pink cockatoos, budgies, emus, short-beaked echidnas, red kangaroos, and a variety of frogs and reptiles.
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust will support the two agreements in-perpetuity with annual payments for agreed conservation action.