Keneally government acts to protect River Red Gum Forests

The Wilderness Society Sydney Inc.
Joint Media Release
19 May 2010

Traditional Owners and environment groups joined together today to praise the historic decision by the Keneally Government to protect the River Red Gum forests of south-western NSW.

The Government announced this afternoon that it will fully protect the Millewa forest in a new National Park immediately and provide joint management for Traditional Owners.

“This is a fantastic conservation decision by Premier Keneally” said Carmel Flint, spokesperson for the National Parks Association of NSW.

“It is a resounding environmental outcome, of national and international importance, that sees the largest River Red Gum forest in the world protected forever” she said.

“This is undoubtedly one of the most significant National Park decisions in the history of NSW, with a greater proportion of available State Forest lands protected then in any previous forest decision” said Felicity Wade, NSW Campaigns Manager for The Wilderness Society Sydney.

“The Minister for the Environment, Frank Sartor, and Premier Keneally have shown a lot of commitment and good will in working through the difficult issues to produce such a landmark environmental outcome” she said

“It is also an historic step forward for Indigenous self-determination, delivering joint management of the Millewa forests for the Yorta Yorta nation, and the transfer of two major forest areas to Traditional Owners as Indigenous Protected Areas” said Mr Neville Atkinson, chairperson of Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

“This decision will result in 107,000 hectares of new protected areas, safe havens for threatened species such as the Barking Owl, Fishing Bat and Superb Parrot, positive social outcomes for Indigenous communities and a diversified regional economy.

“The provision of a generous restructuring and regional development package will open up new socio-economic opportunities in the Riverina.  It is a marvellous outcome for both the environment and the community” Mr Atkinson said.

“We look forward to the Bill being passed quickly through both houses of Parliament and will now be looking to the Federal Government to deliver the environmental water that is needed to complement this superb National Park decision” said Ms Flint.