The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has announced the sale of The Great Cumbung, an internationally significant wetland in south-west New South Wales.
Through an open and competitive bid process, Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC), a proven conservation land management entity, are the property's new owners, with settlement now finalised.
The property is home to over 130 bird species, many of which depend on the wetland ecosystem and provides a vital link between the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers, with wetlands and riverine forests that support regional water flow and catchment health.
TNC Australia Country Director, Lara Gallagher said, "Congratulations to NNTC on this great achievement. It builds on their excellent conservation results achieved at the adjoining Gayini Conservation Area and the Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area. NNTC are exceptional conservation land managers who share TNC's vision for long‑term conservation outcomes. We are pleased that the agreement includes proposed permanent protection of the wetland through a 16,000‑hectare covenant, along with a commitment to seek Ramsar listing as a wetland of international importance."
Jamie Woods, Chair of NNTC said, "Nari Nari is deeply grateful to TNC and all our partners who have supported this acquisition, helping to secure the long‑term protection of critically endangered ecosystems at a landscape scale. We honour the contributions of our Ancestors and Elders whose deep knowledge and care for Country continue to guide efforts to restore and protect The Great Cumbung. This milestone strengthens our stewardship of this landscape and supports ongoing culturally-led conservation for future generations. Our approach will ensure the ecological health, biodiversity protection, and landscape‑scale restoration outcomes that this unique environment requires."
TNC is deeply committed to its core objectives of protecting Australia's diverse ecosystems and supporting the communities who rely on them.
