MORE than 34,000 hectares across land holding in the north west of NSW will be allocated to the creation of three new national parks.
The retired stations will become reserves to provide habitat for more than 80 threatened species across the three parks, Bellenbar, Iona and Innisfail.
Bellenbar is north west of Bourke, and totals 13,674 hectares, including 2334 hectares of Coolibah Black Box Woodland which is an endangered ecological community.
Twenty seven threatened species have been located in the locality of the reserve site, with nine already recorded on the property.
Iona, which is north west of Cobar, is 13,456 hectares and has potential for 50 threatened species including multiple bat species as well as several floral species.
Iona is also home to significant rock art and cultural heritage of the Ngiyampaa people.
Innisfail, which is 7643 hectares, can be found north west of Brewarinna, is part of the Mundiwa Aboriginal camp, that was inhabited up until the early 1900s by Jimmie Barker and others to document Murawari culture.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the land acquirements will not only protect endangered flora and fauna, but also preserve cultural history.
“This land is not only environmentally significant, but also culturally rich,” she said. “Protecting sites like Winbar Caves and consulting with Aboriginal communities about management of the new acquisitions ensures Aboriginal cultural heritage is recognised, respected and protected.
“These reserves protect over 80 threatened species, safeguarding nature for future generations.”
