The NSW Government has purchased 60,000 hectares of land in far west NSW that will be used to create a new outback reserve. 

 

In the second largest land acquisition for national parks in ten years, Langidoon and Metford Stations, found around 65km from Broken Hill, have been purchased by the NSW State Government. 

The neighbouring stations will be turned into a new outback reserve to support biodiversity and local Aboriginal heritage. 

‘This new park will be an important refuge for wildlife including at least 14 threatened animal species including habitat for the Australian bustard, white-fronted chat and the pink cockatoo,’ said Environment Minister Matt Kean. 

The reserve will protect seven different types of landscape, some of which are not protected in any other national park. 

The area also features wetlands, including Eckerboon Lake, which provides habitat for migratory birds during floods. Aboriginal artefacts, such as grinding plates and stone, have also been associated with Eckerboon Lake.

The size of the land purchase is trumped only by the purchase of Narriearra Station last year, and puts the NSW Government well on the way to having increased the state’s national park system by 400,000 hectares by the end of 2022. 

Mr Kean wants this to inspire people to head out west and visit these new national parks and their surrounding towns. 

‘Visit our national parks in western New South Wales, camp there, and see the beautiful landscapes that we’re protecting now and in perpetuity,’ Mr Kean said.

Don’t have to tell us twice!

Road Trip to Broken Hill

 

Feature photo thanks to ABC News