These reserves include the catchments of the Nattai and Tonalli Rivers and Werriberri Creek, all of which are important tributaries of Lake Burragorang (Warragamba Dam) which is Sydney's primary water supply. Emphasis is placed in this plan of management on the protection of the area as part of the catchment of the Warragamba Dam in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Sydney Water Catchment Management Act 1998 and the Special Areas Strategic Plan of Management (2001).
The Nattai Reserves System is a large natural area which contains spectacular scenery. The combination of a deeply incised topography, climatic variations and several soil types has resulted in a diverse flora in the Nattai Reserves. Several significant plants, including a number of threatened species, have been identified in the reserves. The area is also important refuge for native animal communities and nine species of threatened fauna have been recorded in the reserves.
The area has cultural significance as the traditional lands of the D'harawal and Gundangarra Aboriginal people and it contains a number of Aboriginal sites. The plan provides for the protection of Aboriginal sites in the Nattai Reserves System in cooperation with the D'harawal Aboriginal Land Council.
Apart from a few sites such as Burragorang Lookout, the relative isolation of the Nattai Reserves and the need to protect the Warragamba Dam catchment has meant that recreation has been limited to relatively dispersed bushwalking.
About 30,000 hectares of the reserve system has been declared wilderness. The Nattai Wilderness area was the first such area declared under the Wilderness Act 1987.
Nattai National Park is also an important part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This plan has been prepared in accordance with the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. In accordance with the Convention, this park will be managed to identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit to future generations, the World Heritage values of the property.
Related documents
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan (2009).
Photo: Bargo State Conservation Area / Nick Cubbin/OEH
