Australian Rural & Regional News asked some questions of Minister and received answers from a spokesperson from NSW NPWS, set out below the Minister’s announcement.
The Hon. James Griffin, Minister for Environment and Heritage (NSW), Media Release, 7 May 2022
NSW is further expanding its rewilding efforts with another site earmarked as the state’s next feral-predator free area, paving the way for the return of locally-extinct wildlife.
The NSW Government is establishing a network of seven feral predator free areas across the state, making it a world leader in rewilding.
Environment Minister James Griffin said the newest of the seven feral free areas is a 2,000-hectare forest in South East Forest National Park near Bombala, called ‘Nungatta’.
“Feral cats and foxes, which kill billions of native animals nationally every year, will be completely eradicated within this fenced rewilding site,” Mr Griffin said.
“Then when the site is feral predator free, we’ll reintroduce native mammals that were once abundant in this habitat, such as the long-footed potoroo, eastern bettong, smoky mouse, and eastern quoll.
“This ambitious conservation project is part of the NSW Government’s $80 million investment in wildlife restoration, and will see Nungatta’s forests go back in time.
“Through Nungatta and our six other feral predator free areas in NSW national parks, we’re rewilding our state and helping our threatened species thrive into the future.
“Once all seven sites are completed, 65,000 hectares of national parks will be feral free and provide a significant conservation benefit for more than 50 species.”
Three of the seven sites are already operational, and nine locally extinct mammals have already been successfully reintroduced, with their populations flourishing.
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said in time, the Nungatta site will also become an exciting new visitor experience in the South East.
“This feral free site in the South East Forest National Park is win-win for the environment and the local economy. Not only will it support biodiversity in our region, it’ll boost jobs and the visitor economy,” Ms Overall said.
More details about why this area has been selected and how the feral predator free site will be incorporated into the national park can be found in the South East Forests National Park Plan of Management Draft Amendment.
The draft amendment is currently on public exhibition and the community can have their say before 16 June 2022: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/have-your-say
Questions for the Minister and the response from a spokesperson for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
ARR.News: Will the National Parks & Wildlife Service be working with Forestry Corporation NSW to prepare and clear the Nungatta fence lines in order to remove as much biomass as possible and reduce bushfire risk?
NPWS: While NPWS consulted with Forestry Corporation on the design and planning of the project, the proposed feral predator free area is on the national parks estate and will be managed by NPWS.
The removal of any vegetation will be subject to strict environmental conditions, and likely involve mulching and use of coarse woody debris to supplement habitat for ground mammals.
ARR.News: What program will there be for fuel reduction, including by mild burning, in and around Nungatta and the other enclosed areas in order to reduce the risk of high intensity bushfire and the incineration of the threatened species?
NPWS: Parts of South East Forest National Park were heavily impacted in the 2019/20 fires, yet the bush has shown strong signs of recovery with the return of native animals and native plants – including species that need fire to survive.
While native species have evolved with fire, future bushfire risk at the site will be managed through strategic fire planning and targeted mitigations strategies, as is applied to other high value conservation areas. This may include a combination of hazard reduction, ecological, and cultural fire management practices.
NPWS will also work with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and other land management agencies to reduce the risk of bushfire in the areas around the rewilding site, namely through hazard reduction burning in South East Forest National Park.
ARR.News: Who will be hunting the feral predators? Will suitably qualified hunters with local knowledge be engaged to humanely eradicate the feral predators?
NPWS: The eradication of feral animals will be carried out by trained and experienced NPWS staff and contractors.
The program will be conducted in line with feral animal control plans and will use a range of conventional techniques including trapping, shooting and baiting in accordance with relevant Codes of Practice (including animal welfare requirements) and EPA / Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) permits.
