Growth centres biodiversity offset program annual report 2012-13

Abstract

The NSW Government’s interest in working with landholders to revegetate and improve land is formalised in its strategic ten-year plan, NSW 2021. A priority action under Goal 22 of NSW 2021 is for the Government to protect strategic areas of high conservation value and ensure there are more green spaces across Sydney and NSW through the $40 million Green Corridors program. The Growth Centres Biodiversity Offset Program (the program) is a part of the Green Corridors program, and I am pleased to report significant progress being made in delivering on the Government’s priorities. The new biobank site established at Mulgoa in 2013 is protecting 38 hectares of critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland (CPW). It is one of the largest remaining stands of privately owned CPW in existence. The fact that it adjoins Mulgoa Nature Reserve increases the significance of this conservation effort. This site is now protected forever as a biobank site through the willingness of the landowner, and funding provided through the program and from the Australian Government. The partnerships established to conserve the Mulgoa biobank site and the 22-hectare Mt Hercules biobank site which has also been protected this year are prime examples of the type of private and public sector partnerships that can be achieved through the program.