National Parks and Wildlife Service Annual Report 1998-1999

Abstract

The 1999 fiscal year marked a period of substantial expansion and organizational transformation for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The Service added over 470,000 hectares of new parks and reserves through forest agreements in northeastern and southeastern NSW, establishing 119 new protected areas. A historic milestone was achieved with the first handback of national parklands to Aboriginal traditional owners, as Mootwingee National Park and associated sites were transferred to the Barkintji people and renamed as Mutawintji, to be jointly managed with NPWS. The year also saw the establishment of NSW's third marine park around Lord Howe Island, protecting significant coral reef ecosystems. The Service implemented major structural reforms following the "Visions for the New Millennium" review, establishing four regional directorates and a new Education and Community Programs Directorate to enhance community engagement and regional service delivery. NPWS continued to strengthen conservation partnerships with private landholders through programs such as Voluntary Conservation Agreements and Wildlife Refuges, while improving visitor facilities across multiple parks.