News
24 September, 2025
Investigation Deepens Into Council’s National Parks Land Proposal
Progress is being made on the proposed transfer of land managed by Wingecarribee Shire Council to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for addition to the national park system.
Progress is being made on the proposed transfer of land managed by Wingecarribee Shire Council to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for addition to the national park system.
Council resolved at its March 19 meeting this year to write to the ministers responsible for NPWS and Crown Lands seeking their position on the proposed transfer of council-managed and other Crown Lands, in whole or in part, to the NPWS.
Those lands include the Greater Mt Alexandra Reserve, Yerrinbool Reserve, Yerrinbool Park, Glow Worm Glen Track in Bundanoon, Mount Penang Road in Canyonleigh, Medway Dam Reserve, Garland Road Reserve, Tugalong Road Reserve and Gibbergunyah Reserve.
Staff reported that council had written to the Minister for Environment and Water (responsible for the NPWS) and the Minister for Lands and Property (responsible for Crown Lands) and both had acknowledged the proposal.
Council officers have also met with the NPWS Park Assessment and Acquisition Team to progress preliminary investigations.
NPWS has requested detailed information for each reserve including ownership, management arrangements, environmental and cultural values, recreational use, existing assets and indicative management costs.
Council officers are currently collating the information requested to assist NPWS with its assessment. It is also engaging with key stakeholders including the Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association, the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), NSW Rural Fire Service, WinZero, Southern Highlands Landcare Network, Birdlife Southern Highlands, Highland Trails and the Australian Climbing Association NSW.
Staff have advised that by progressing the investigation into the land transfer, council is actively contributing to the long-term protection and expansion of conservation lands within the shire. The investigation “supports biodiversity outcomes, respects cultural heritage and strengthens partnerships with State agencies, Aboriginal organisations and community stakeholders”.
The original (March 19) Notice of Motion was submitted by Cr Rachel Russell who told council at the time that she wanted to initiate a discussion “about whose management of these spaces will best serve the community”.
Read More: Southern Highlands