NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF NSW INC. (NPANSW)
PO Box A96, Sydney South NSW 1235 Ph: (02) 9233 4660 Fax: (02)
9233 4880
Media Release 25 July 1997
Holsworthy National Estate Listing
What a Beaut Decision !
The National Parks Association of New South Wales, the State’s largest non-government nature conservation organisation, today congratulated the Australian Heritage Commission on its decision to place the Holsworthy Military Range on the Register of the National Estate.
"What a beaut decision. This listing is a recognition of the tremendous natural and cultural values of the Holsworthy Military Range", said Noel Plumb, Executive Officer of the NPA..
"The decision must surely place the Howard Government in an impossible position if it continues to waste time and money on trying to cover this national heritage treasure with tarmac and concrete as a Second Sydney Airport. How can it possibly say that there is no prudent or feasible alternative to destroying this area, given its narrow minded approach to the EIS process and its refusal to examine sites outside the Sydney Basin - despite the new technology which makes this feasible with a Very Fast Train link.."
The decision will help protect
- Sydney’s last viable koala population which ranges out to the Royal and Heathcote National parks as well as Dharawhal Nature Reserve.
- other endangered and vulnerable species including tiger quolls, powerful owls, green and golden bell frogs and broad headed snakes.
- the largest remnant of the Cumberland Plains Woodland, recently listed as an endangered ecological community
- pristine water catchments which are vital to the water quality of the Georges River
- several identified wilderness areas
- a treasure house of Aboriginal art and cultural sites
- significant European cultural heritage sites
"The NPA and its Southern Sydney and Macarthur Branches have strongly supported the nominations for National Estate Listing. We congratulate the Tharawal Aboriginal Land Council, Campbelltown City Council, The National Trust and all the others who worked so hard to gain this listing," said Mr Plumb.
"The battle is not yet won, and will not be won, until the Howard government gives up the mad idea that the Sydney Basin can sustain another airport. However, this listing will inspire the conservationists and residents of Sydney to fight on."
HOLSWORTHY AIRPORT ACTION DAY - Sunday 27 JULY 12pm Hammondville Oval
For further comment : Noel Plumb 018 975 095