Pollies push for common sense in park purchases

Scott Barrett, on his recent visit to Bourke, said National Park purchases need to be considered carefully from both environmental and community angles. Photo TWH

The ongoing expansion of national parks in western New South Wales has come under renewed scrutiny, raising more questions about management of the ever-expanding national park ownership.

Local politicians are now urging the government to take a more balanced approach to conservation and community impact.

Scott Barrett MLC, who recently visited Toorale Station near Bourke, said what was once one of the region’s biggest sheep stations is now part of a growing list of pastoral properties bought and converted into national parks.

“While the intent of this might seem noble, every time this happens, it has a huge impact on the local community,” he said. “We’re taking families out of the area, not just the people who used to own it, but the people who used to work here - shearers, fencers, the truck drivers. That has big implications for local towns. Maybe the volunteers from the soccer club aren’t in town anymore. Maybe their husbands or wives worked at the hospital.”

Mr Barrett said that while he supports protecting the environment, he is concerned that some of the acquired land is not being responsibly managed. […]

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