Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP asked questions in the most recent sitting of NSW Parliament, regarding future plans and budgets for the purchase of lands for National Parks and the average price being paid in his far west electorate.

BUDGET FOR ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR NATIONAL PARKS

Mr Butler asked the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice representing the Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage to advise of the current budget allocation for the acquisition of land for the establishment of new National Parks in NSW.

The answer given in parliament was that in 2024-2025 the budget was $19,074,000.

"Funding for NPWS reserve acquisition comes from a range of sources including; the NSW Environment Trust; NSW Koala Strategy; developer offset payments and Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan activities; and specific park commitments such as the Wolli Creek Regional Park," the Hansard record states.

"In 2025-26 these sources total $19,074,000."

"In 2024-25 financial year, the average land acquisition cost for new national parks in Barwon was $88.70 per acre ($219 per hectare).

NATIONAL PARKS CONSULTATION IN RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Mr Butler also submitted a question, asking the Minister to advise the details of the NSW National Parks Establishment Plan’s current review and how consultation will take place in rural and remote communities.

"The NSW Government has committed to complete a new National Parks Establishment Plan."

"The National Parks and Wildlife Service will engage closely with stakeholders to inform the development of the plan.

"Consultation with rural and remote communities will occur through both targeted consultation and a public exhibition period. "

Since June 2024, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has acquired 30 properties totalling 11 3,976 hectares on my behalf as the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (the Act), which have not yet been formally reserved under the Act.