Central West and Orana

Overview

Our work in this diverse landscape of rugged mountains, floodplains, wide valleys and Ramsar wetlands ranges from protecting waterbirds, fish and water plants to investigating renewable energy zones.

Water

Water for the environment

90,000km²

Lachlan valley area

The Lachlan River experiences highly variable flows. We work with Lachlan Riverine Working Group to manage the delivery of environmental water when and where conditions allow to provide feeding and breeding habitat for a range of wildlife.

Lachlan profile

Birds flying across southern marshes at Macquarie wetlands

75,000km²

Macquarie valley area

The iconic Macquarie Marshes have played host to some of the largest water-bird breeding events in Australia’s recorded history. Environmental water is the lifeblood of the marshes along with several rivers, creeks, lagoons and ephemeral wetlands.

Macquarie profile

Threatened species

Featured threatened species

Endangered Booroolong frog

Species profile

Common name
Booroolong Frog

Scientific name
Litoria booroolongensis

Status in NSW
Endangered

Commonwealth status
Endangered

The Booroolong Frog is a medium sized tree frog, with adults growing to about 5 cm. Their body-colour may be grey, olive or brown with indistinct black markings. The abdomen is white. The skin usually has a slightly warty appearance. The fingers and toes have well developed discs, and the toes are strongly webbed. The call is a soft, purring ‘craww craww craww’.

Climate change

Mean temperatures are projected to rise by 2.1 ºC by 2070. The increases are occurring across the region with the greatest increase during summer. All models show there are no declines in mean temperatures across the Central West and Orana.

View interactive map

Download regional snapshot

Air

Air quality Last updated at 3:00 am, 23 September 2023 AEST

Air quality data for NSW is displayed using the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale and is updated hourly.

Central Tablelands Good

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REGIONAL RESOURCES

Citizen science macroinvertebrate project - collecting samples from a creek, Warrumbungles

Find out how you can be involved in citizen science projects and activities.

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Purple copper butterfly (Paralucia spinifera)

Join the search for a rare butterfly

(Un)Forgotten forbs

Porto Hazard reduction Burn, Kuring-gai-chase National Park, August 2021.

Hazard reduction burn planned for Goonoo State Conservation Area Saturday 26 August

Aerial surveys of kangaroos

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Things to do & see

Braidwood

A historic town dating from 1839, with local art galleries, historical buildings, museum and surrounded by state forests. Photo: R.Conroy

Montague Island Nature Reserve

Montague Island Nature Reserve is home to hundreds of seals and more than 90 bird species. Photo: M.Rossi

Summit walk and trail in Kosciuszko National Park

Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk

Take this challenging bushwalk or mountain bike trail up to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Photo: M.van der Veer

Entrance to Fitzroy Fall Visitor Centre in Morton National Park

Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre offers information on the Southern Highlands nature walks, wildlife and birdwatching. Photo: B.Boughton

Davidson Whaling Station

The Davidson Whaling Station was one of the longest operating stations in Australia. Photo: J.Yurasek

Montague Island Lightstation

The Montague Island lighthouse has operated since 1880, automated since 1987 it also now functions as a lighthouse museum. Photo: S.Cohen

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