National Parks and Wildlife Service Annual Report 1999-2000

Abstract

The 1999-2000 fiscal year marked a period of significant organizational transformation and challenges for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The agency implemented a comprehensive renewal program focused on improving service delivery and achieving strategic objectives through greater community engagement. Key achievements included establishing a new senior management team, developing a corporate plan for 2000-2003, publishing a Reconciliation Statement, completing the Southern Comprehensive Regional Assessment (adding 316,839 hectares to the reserve system), and expanding western reserves. However, the year was also marked by profound tragedy when a routine hazard reduction operation at Mt Ku-ring-gai resulted in the deaths of four NPWS staff members and serious injuries to three others in June 2000. Despite these challenges, NPWS maintained its commitment to becoming Australia's most effective natural and cultural heritage conservation agency through its three core themes: expanding beyond formal reserves, managing reserves within regional landscapes, and enhancing the reserve system through agreed conservation criteria.