NOT-for-profit conservation organisation Bush Heritage Australia are attempting to raise $2.6 million to purchase a 4037-hectare property in north-western NSW that is home to significant wetlands which make up part of the Murray-Darling Basin.
The property near Bourke, named Nil Desperandum meaning “Nothing to be despaired of” will increase connectivity between sites already owned by the conservation group: Naree Station Reserve and South Endeavour Trust’s Yantabulla station, along with the NSW State Government’s newly acquired Cuttabutta National Park.
Adding Nil Desperandum to these existing sites will extend the nature corridor to cover over 70,000 hectares and assist in protecting almost 200 native species.
The group said that the ecological value of the site was immense, and the wetland was significant on a national level.
The site is home to Yantabulla Swamp, an incredibly important waterbird breeding site, according to Head of Region at Bush Heritage, Dr Jo Axford.
“It is one of the most significant wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin,” she said.
“We see a huge diversity and abundance of birds in this area, including migratory birds that come when conditions are right, and tens of thousand of waterbirds that rely on this ecosystem to forage, nest and breed.”
Historically Nil Desperandum has seen cattle and sheep grazing on the property, and feral goats and pigs have damaged part of the wetlands.
Dr Axford said the purchase of the property would ensure the wetlands could be protected from future damage and existing damage could be reversed.
“This is a long-awaited opportunity for us to reverse the damage done to this ecosystem,” she said.
“We have over 30 years of rigorous science as well as right-way knowledge that informs out conservation work.”
Right-Way Science is a science-based conservation organisation that works with Aboriginal communities to incorporate cultural land management practices.
Aboriginal Partnerships manager for the North Region Ross Mitchell said the acquisition would also offer Traditional Owners the chance to reconnect with country.,
“I knew immediately how significant it would be if we purchased it given the endless opportunity for Budjiti Custodians return to Country,” he said.
The campaign has raised more than $2 million, and Bianca Hogan, Head of marketing and communications for Bush Heritage, said they were optimistic about the campaign.
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply moved by the incredible generosity of our supporters throughout this fundraising campaign!” she said.
“It’s been inspiring to see just how many people care about our precious ecosystems and how eager they are to join us in safeguarding them for future generations.”
