More than 6,000 hectares of high biodiversity land on the Liverpool Plains will be protected for good by the NSW Government, as part of the finalisation of a $100 million agreement with Shenhua Watermark Coal Pty Limited (Shenhua).
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the government’s acquisition of the parcels of land delivers on a commitment to protect those areas, enhance native biodiversity, and help preserve key koala habitat.
“This is the beginning of a new era for farmers and the wider community on the Liverpool Plains, ending years of uncertainty,” Mr Toole said.
“From today, this land will be actively managed by the Local Land Services on behalf of the government to safeguard the areas with environmental and cultural significance.”
The land acquired from Shenhua includes sites at Breeza, Barraba, Mt Watermark, and Tambar Springs.
Nationals Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government is committed to not only protecting the landscape and its threatened species, but also ensuring neighbouring agricultural operations continue to thrive.
“The Liverpool Plains is home to not only some of the best agricultural land in the country but some of the most beautiful country as well,” Mr Saunders said.
“This is a major boost to the protection and conservation of more than 6000 hectares of high biodiversity land and will be done in consultation with the region’s Indigenous groups, environmental groups, local councils and other stakeholders.
“By working together, we can ensure the best environmental, cultural and production outcomes are achieved across the Liverpool Plains.”
For more information about the project visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au.
