http://www.wilderness.org.au/images/red%20gum%20river.JPG/image

River Red Gum Forest line the banks of the Murray River in the internationally listed Millewa Forest. Photo: Peter Cooper

Historic decision protects the Murray River Red Gum Forests

http://www.wilderness.org.au/articles/campaign-win

Following a campaign led by the Wilderness Society and the National Parks Association of NSW, the NSW Government has announced that they will protect the internationally important River Red Gum Forests – including the immediate protection of the iconic Millewa Forest.

This is an historic conservation outcome for NSW, with a greater proportion of State Forest lands protected than in any previous forest decision. The announcement also includes significant outcomes for Indigenous Traditional Owners, allowing fro joint management of the Millewa Forests by the Yorta Yorta people and includes the transfer of two major forest groups to Traditional Owners as Indigenous Protected Areas.

The decision will see the creation of over 100,000 hectares of new protected areas and will protect crucial habitat for threatened species such as the superb parrot.

Combined with recent new park decisions across Victorian Forests, the decision sees over 200,000 hectares of River Red Gum Forests protected in the Murray region.

A generous restructure package will also provide support to industry, allowing them to move towards a more sustainable regional economy. Previous studies have shown that National Parks have the potential to not only provide good outcomes for the environment, but also for the regions’ economy.

The Wilderness Society has praised the hard work of NSW Environment Minister, Frank Sartor, and the good decision of NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. Both have worked through difficult negotiations with stake holders to deliver this outcome.



For more information, please contact:

Sydney Forests Campaigner

The Wilderness Society Sydney Inc

Postal address: PO Box K249 Haymarket, NSW, 1240

Suite 402, Level 4, 64-76 Kippax St,
Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Phone: 02 9282 9553