Minister Sartor confirms River Red Gum National Parks

The Wilderness Society Sydney
Media Release
7 December 2009

Environment groups have today welcomed the newly appointed Minister for the Environment, Frank Sartor’s confirmation that the announcement of a new River Red Gum Forest National Park, made by outgoing Premier Nathan Rees, will be upheld.

“The environmental qualities of the River Red Gum Forests are well acknowledged, as is the environmental crisis that they are facing. These values must be protected in new National Parks’ said Peter Cooper, Campaigner for the Wilderness Society Sydney.

Media speculation has run rife as to whether the decision would be overturned, following Nathan Rees’ departure from the Premiership.

Environment groups had this week called on Premier Keneally to uphold the decision, which has been referred to as the first test of her premiership and a key measure of the environmental credibility of her government.

The decision made last week protects 42,000 hectares in a new Millewa National Park, which covers the largest River Red gum forest on earth.

It also protects other important areas including the Barooga, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan groups of forests, whilst specifying that further areas may also be identified for protection in the final report of the Natural Resources Commission.

“This is an excellent stand by Premier Keneally for the environment.  It is a very important decision for the future of our globally significant and iconic River Red Gum forests” said Carmel Flint, spokesperson for the National Parks Association of NSW.

"We look forward to a similar announcement across the remaining River Red Gum Forests when the Natural Resources Commission releases their final recommendations for the forests’ future on December 21".