This total is significantly larger than in previous years, and one for which we have congratulated the Government. However, only the $2.2 million core program is a continuing commitment. Details of these funding programs are provided below.

This fund has not changed in value for more than 20 years. It comprises the funding pool that the NPWS can use to purchase the highest priority lands of conservation and cultural significance across the whole State. Clearly, such a small budget is inadequate to meet this need, and it is common that lands on offer to the NPWS (which would make very valuable additions to the national park estate) cannot be purchased due to a lack of funds.

As indicated in the August Journal, the NPWS has established a State Reserve System committee to ensure that funds used from source will maximise purchasing opportunities. At present, core acquisition funds are mostly being directed to the Commonwealth co-funded National Reserve System program, where the Commonwealth funds land purchases on a $2:1 basis; 2000/2001 will see its completion.

This is another very important, but one-off, allocation dedicated to two purposes: purchasing inholdings and other lands in the southern CRA area ($1.2 million) and purchasing properties in the west of the State ($3.2 million). The provision of funds to land purchase in western NSW is strongly supported by NPA, and the Minister, Bob Debus, is to be congratulated for his efforts in achieving this allocation.

This fund was established in 1996, and has provided an opportunity to acquire private lands in identified wilderness areas. To date the NPWS has spent $3.7 million from this fund, and acquired 29,323 hectares of wilderness inholding lands which will assist the management of wilderness in the State. The financial year 2000/2001 will see the Government fulfil its initial commitment of $5 million over five years. However, before the 1999 election the Government promised to continue "significant funding beyond 2001".

In the late 1970s the Wran Government identified lands surrounded by, or adjacent to, Broadwater, Bundjalung, Yuraygir, Hat Head, Crowdy Bay and Myall Lakes NPs, along with Limeburners Creek and Lake Innes nature reserves, as high priority for addition to the national park estate. These lands were subsequently zoned 8b (that is, proposed national park), which committed the Government to purchase these lands when made available by the owners. Over 200 of these parcels were zoned 8b, and since then about three-quarters have been purchased. The Treasury allocation of $5.8 million is the second-last of the current Government’s commitment, and with only $3 million committed for the final year (2001/2002), there will be insufficient funds to purchase the remaining parcels of land.

This is a one-off allocation made in 1997 for purchasing lands within the North East CRA from landholders who were affected by cancellation of occupational permits in former State forests.

All of these programs will make a valuable contribution to protecting important nature conservation lands and improving management of our national parks. NPA’s major concern is that only the small core acquisition budget is committed beyond 2002. NPA believes that the acquisition of appropriate private lands is at the forefront of conservation needs in the early 21st century. We feel that a commitment of at least this magnitude, but preferably twice this size, is required every year for the foreseeable future. A greater proportion of the total funds provided in an untied manner is also required, so that the NPWS can target the highest priority nature conservation lands.

What you can do: Write to the Premier, Bob Carr (c/- Parliament House, Sydney 2000) urging him to support a large and long-term budget for national park land acquisition, and for this to commence in the next budget.

Stephen Lord is NPA Senior Vice President,
and NPA’s nominee on the NPWS Advisory Council.