In a move today, Garigal National Park near Belrose has expanded by 10 hectares. The 2,202-hectare (5,440-acre) park borders the Belrose Waste Management Centre and 10 hectares of government-owned ecologically significant land on its border will be transferred to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has welcomed the move, stating “I have been lobbying hard for many years to have this surplus land transferred and I know many community members will be delighted with the announcement.”
“The land transfer will preserve native plant species and the ecosystems which support fauna.
Mr O’Dea said, “This extension of the Garigal National Park will help ensure the conservation and protection of this biodiverse bushland which is significantly located at the headwaters of the Bare Creek and Middle Harbour catchments.”
Property NSW Executive Director, Portfolio Management Group, Adam Howarth said an investigation by environmental consultants, Eco Logical Australia, had confirmed the site held significant ecological value.
Mr Howarth said, “The transfer is a fantastic example of Government agencies working together to ensure underutilised land can be returned to the community. The deal ensures the site is conserved for future generations.”
Mr O’Dea said, “The transfer means three local schools are now much closer to the extended Garigal National Park, improving the amenity of the area and student access to important native bushland.
Property NSW purchased the Belrose bushland site in 1994 to buffer landfilling operations at the Belrose Waste management Centre. Landfilling ceased in November 2014
