The Minns Labor Government has secured the future of an important wildlife corridor in the Sutherland Shire with the purchase of more than 30 hectares of ecologically valuable bushland.
The Woronora Heights site is a habitat haven, with recent surveys showing the land is home to several vulnerable species including the Powerful Owl, Red-crowned Toadlet, Greater Broad-nosed Bat and the Eastern Pygmy-possum.
The area is also known to have a variety of koala feed trees. Locals have observed koalas taking a snack stop as they use the corridor to travel safely through suburban bushland.
The Minns Labor Government is proud to deliver this election commitment, to protect the environment and ensure our precious native creatures and plants exist here for generations to come.
The corridor, previously owned by Sydney Water, is well known for its walking track along a heritage pipeline. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will reserve the area as a regional park, which will allow for the continued walking of dogs on a lead.
Sydney Water will retain access rights to carry out essential maintenance of the pipeline while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:
"I want to thank Maryanne Stuart and her community for their campaign to protect this land.
"There are so many important species that call this bushland home, and I'm thrilled it will now be protected forever in our National Parks system."
Quote attributable to Minister for Water, Rose Jackson:
"This is a win for the local community and the environment. By transferring this land into the hands of National Parks, we're locking in long-term protection for precious bushland and vital koala habitat.
"It shows how the government can make better use of what we have - protecting nature while keeping our essential infrastructure running smoothly. Sydney Water can keep doing its job, and we can safeguard a key wildlife corridor for generations to come."
Quote attributable to Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:
"I am so happy to see this land saved as a wildlife corridor. I thank the residents and all who campaigned. During COVID we know how vital this bush land was for our community, our health and wellbeing.
"We are grateful to the Minister, Penny Sharpe and the National Parks and Wildlife Service for the action they've taken to protect this vital habitat for so many vulnerable species for generations to come."
