NSW: First Indigenous Protected Area declared for NSW
A unique parcel of northern New South Wales bushland is to be protected by its traditionalowners under an historic agreement.
Wattleridge has today become the first site in the state to be declared an IndigenousProtected Area by the federal government.
The 480-hectare parcel of bushland on outcropping granite country near the top of theNew England Tablelands will now be owned and managed by the local Banbai people.
Dr SHARMAN STONE, federal parliamentary secretary for the environment and heritage,says the area has beneficial conservation values for the nation.
Dr STONE says the IPA status will place the area under the National Reserve SystemProgram, which provides assistance for Indigenous landowners to develop a management planand then protect their area in the future.
Wattleridge, purchased in 1998 by the Indigenous Land Corporation for the local Banbaipeople, is home to at least 12 rare or endangered fauna and 15 flora species.
The area also contains the only recorded axe grinding groove sites and fully recordedart sites in the local area.
AAP RTV kp/nf/tb/rp
KEYWORD: BUSHLAND (SYDNEY)
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