Gulaga National Park expands as 200 hectares added
Nearly 200-hectares of culturally and ecologically rich land has been added to Aboriginal-owned Gulaga National Park on the South Coast of New South Wales. This affords a higher level of protection to Yuin sacred sites and koala habitat.
The Gulaga National Park Board of Management has transferred their property and local landmark, 'Bellbrook Farm' to expand the park, located outside Tilba Tilba on the far south coast.
'Bellbrook Farm', purchased by the Board, lies on the lower slopes of Gulaga Mountain, a place of great cultural significance and described as the place of ancestral origin for Yuin people.
Adding Bellbrook Farm to the park will provide the Board with opportunities to promote cultural experiences at a place where visitors can be introduced to the mountain in a culturally respectful way.
The property is also home to remnant rainforest types, river oak forests and threatened native plant species found only on the south coast, the square raspwort and warty zieria.
Expanding the national park will also increase habitat for the spotted-tail quoll, long-nosed potoroo, yellow-bellied glider and glossy-black cockatoo, all listed as threatened species.
A second, separate parcel of land at Dignams Creek has also been added to Gulaga National Park, which contains important habitat that may help support a small population of koalas that persists in the area.
Since March 2023, more than 484,500 hectares have been acquired for the NSW national park estate.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service currently manage 7.63 million hectares of parks and reserves (9.52% of New South Wales). Of this, 2.33 million hectares, or around 30%, is jointly managed with Aboriginal people involving 34 agreements.
Quotes attributable to Gulaga National Park Board of Management Chairperson Aunty Roslyn Field:
'Adding this land to Gulaga National Park supports the Yuin people's aspiration to return Country to Aboriginal ownership which is aligned with the plan of management.
'Together with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Gulaga Board of Management will now be able to restore and protect this Country.
'This place will be protected in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy, but more importantly, for future generations to appreciate Yuin culture.'
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:
'It's always exciting to announce the expansion of national parks and this particular addition is very special for the south coast region, and for New South Wales.
'These 2 parcels of highly significant land contain important cultural values and unique habitats like remnant rain forest.
'I would like to thank the Board of Management for their decision to transfer this land and expand the park, ensuring this Country will be restored and cared for by Aboriginal people for all future generations.'
Quote attributable to the Member for the Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland MP
'Gulaga is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Bega electorate.
'It is appropriate that Gulaga National Park with its rich heritage, cultural and environmental significance has been enhanced with the help of the Gulaga National Park Board of Management.'