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At last we have a result on the BBS & Nandewar!!!
BBS/Nandewar Bill Passed by NSW Parliament 23 June 05
Western Woodlands Decision a Substantial Achievement
Conservationists across the state welcomed the decision by the NSW Government to protect the woodlands of the Brigalow Belt South and Nandewar bioregions and offer a generous financial package to the timber industry, describing it as a substantial conservation achievement. with a generous financial package for the timber industry.`
With so little of the region's vegetation is protected, the decision today will vastly improve the prospects of the threatened plants and animals that rely on these pockets of remnant woodlands.
The financial assistance set aside for the timber industry and for park management has the potential to greatly improve the regional economy. New parks attract more tourists and value-adding will put the White Cypress industry on a more solid footing.
The end to major iron bark operations and protection of most of the last stands of those iconic forests in the region is also a welcome step.
There is some disappointment about the designation of the Goonoo woodlands for mining exploration. This downgrading from full protection status was not warranted.
Glossy-black Cockatoos, Barking Owls, and many woodland birds and mammals need large old Ironbarks and other hardwoods with big hollows to raise their young in.
The government's offer of exit payments to firewood contractors and a review of the hardwood firewood industry will need to be carefully watched to ensure that the enormous damage being caused by the industry is stopped.
WCA Media release from 4/5/05
Other Information on the decision
Speeches in Parliament on the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Bill
1. 27/05/2005
First Reading, Second Reading, Motion, Legislative Assembly
2. 07/06/2005
Second Reading, Motion, Legislative Assembly
3. 08/06/2005
Second Reading, Motion, Legislative Assembly
4. 09/06/2005
Second Reading, Third Reading, Motion, Legislative Assembly
5. 09/06/2005
First Reading, Motion, Legislative Council
Summary of the figures from the announcement
Zone 1 - Conservation & Recreation 119,007ha
Zone 1 - Conservation & Recreation (proposed ILUA) 9,092ha
Subtotal 128,099ha
Zone 2 - Conservation & Aboriginal Culture 5,858ha
Zone 2 - Conservation & Aboriginal Culture (proposed ILUA) 15,501ha
Subtotal 21,359ha
Zone 3 - Conservation & Mineral Extraction 145,191ha
Zone 3 - Conservation & Mineral Extraction (proposed ILUA) 53,745ha
Subtotal 198,935ha
Area not available for logging 348,393ha
Lease over forest - To be vested in Minister for Environment 19,075
Subtotal 19,075ha
Total 367,467ha
Zone 4 - Forestry, Conservation & Mineral Extraction 264,664ha
Total area of the announced reserves 348,393Ha
WCA Option (2) reserves 380,803Ha
Area common between both reserves 296,794Ha
Area still available to the timber industry 264,664Ha
To find out more about the project, and how you can help - contact the National Parks Association of NSW Head Office.
Email Tom Widdup at or ring 02 9299 0000
Last update: 23/06/05
National Parks Association of NSW |
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| Office location: | Level 9, 91 York Street, Sydney, |
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| Postal address: | PO BOX A96, Sydney South, NSW 1235 |
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| Phone: | (02) 9299 0000 | |
| Fax: | (02) 9290 2525 | |
| Email: | ||
| Web Site: | www.npansw.org.au | |
Page last updated 30/5/05