13
June 2009 - The NSW and Commonwealth governments
have joined forces to bring the 181 hectare
former Air Services Australia site at Cranebrook
into the public reserve system to form a
new conservation reserve in Sydney's west.
It will protect some
of the Sydney's most endangered species,
provide a critical wildlife corridor and
secure additional green space for the residents
of Sydney's west.
Federal Minister for
the Environment, Peter Garrett, said the
purchase would mean the property was saved
from future development.
"The previous Federal
Government sold this site to a developer
in 2004. Today is really important as we
deliver on our election commitment to work
with the State to preserve critical areas
of Cumberland Plain woodland for future
generations to enjoy.
"This land is an
essential part of the green corridor which
stretches from the former ADI site through
to the base of the Blue Mountains,"
Mr Garrett said.
"I know from my
discussions with the local MP, David Bradbury,
who has been very active on this issue that
residents in this area have been concerned
about the future of this site and so I'm
really pleased to announce its long term
protection."
NSW Deputy Premier and
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment
Carmel Tebbutt said the land would be part
of the Wianamatta network of reserves managed
by the National Parks and Wildlife Service,
which includes the former ADI site at St
Mary's.
"This is an area
of significant conservation value that will
make an outstanding addition to the network
of parks in western Sydney," Ms Tebbutt
said.
"This land is home
to an important part of the Cumberland Plain
vegetation and an estimated 10 per cent
of the remaining Castlereagh Swamp Woodland
endangered ecological community.
"A total of 76
native animal species have been recorded
on the site including sugar gliders, eastern
grey kangaroos, ring tailed possums and
echidnas.
"The purchase is
part of an ongoing commitment to conserve
the native plants and animals of the Cumberland
Plain with 14,780 hectares now protected
forever in national park reserves across
western Sydney.
"Many people in
western Sydney have played a role in highlighting
the important conservation values of Cranebrook
- in particular the Western Sydney Conservation
Alliance has been a vocal advocate for protecting
this site.
"The NSW Government
looks forward to working with them to rehabilitate
and restore the area to be a superior conservation
site."
Federal Member for Lindsay
David Bradbury said:
"This is a win
for the environment in Western Sydney, and
I am pleased to be delivering on this important
election commitment.
"The site was sold
by the former Federal Government in 2004
without any community consultation and without
regard for its enormous conservation value.
I am pleased to be part of a Rudd Government
that has recognised the need to preserve
this site and restore it to public ownership."
NSW Member for Londonderry
Allan Shearan said the purchase was a win
for the people of western Sydney.
"The site supports
a diverse and abundant array of rare plant
species including the Nodding Geebung, Bynoe's
Wattle and the Juniper-leaved Grevillea,"
Mr Shearan said.
"The property also
contains a number of important Aboriginal
archaeological sites and it will now be
protected for the people of western Sydney
into the future."
