I am speaking to you from the traditional lands of the Gu-ring-gai people. I acknowledge them and pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Can I remind everyone that the land on which we gather is, was and always will be aboriginal land.
First up, I’d like to acknowledge the impact that the COVID019 pandemic has had on the volunteers who are the lifeblood of the member organisations of the Nature Conservation Council.
I was pleased to announce that we will create a new National Park in South West Sydney to protect NSW’s last disease free Koala population forever. We will spend $84m to purchase private land to create a continuous link between Kentlyn and Dharawal national park, install 120km of safety fencing and revegetate essential corridors by planting over 100,000 feed trees. This is about ensuring our kids and their kids will be able to see koalas in the wild.
With a $275,000 boardwalk project planned for Muttonbird Island and more than 3,500 new koala feed trees growing in Bongil Bongil National Park, the Coffs Coast’s national parks are flourishing.
Environment Minister Matt Kean announced the 330-metre raised boardwalk project for Muttonbird Island during his visit to the Coffs Coast today.
“The elevated boardwalk will improve visitor access to the spectacular nature reserve while also benefiting the island’s most important habitants – the muttonbirds,” Mr Kean said.
The NSW Government has acquired an additional 89 hectares of land to expand Cudgen Nature Reserve and aid the recovery of the Tweed koala population.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the addition would help to provide long-term habitat protection for native plants and animals on the Tweed Coast, including the endangered Tweed and Brunswick Rivers koala colony.
After being elected as Member for Hornsby in March 2011, I have embarked on many initiatives that the community and I see as pivotal issues for Hornsby. I see and understand the needs of the community and am proud to play my part.
