More than 31,000 hectares of Southern Highlands land has been deemed protected habitat

More than 31,000 hectares of the Southern Highlands have been designated safe areas for native wildlife with tighter controls, in a bid to protect vulnerable species under threat of extinction.

More than 31,000 hectares of the Southern Highlands has been designated as protected areas in a state government initiative to eliminate species extinction in NSW National Parks.

NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean has announced 221 sites across the state would become Assets of Intergenerational Significance in a move towards ensuring zero extinctions of species in NSW National Parks.

Mr Kean said classifying these important sites as significant will ensure the “strongest possible legal protections” for the threatened native flora and fauna inhabiting these areas.

“We now also have a target of zero extinctions of species on our National Park estate, and are aiming to improve and stabilise the status of threatened species,” he said.

The pink areas are the newly announced assets of intergenerational significance, which amount to more than 31,000 hectares of Southern Highlands land.

“But our plan isn’t just about targets – it’s also about action and that’s why I am making declarations for 221 sites to protect 92 endangered and iconic species.”

The announcement applies to more than 31,000 hectares across five areas in the Southern Highlands and will protect vulnerable koalas, the endangered Mittagong Geebung, and the critically endangered Carrington Falls Grevillea.

Mr Kean said these declarations would be a “game changer” for native species by necessitating conservation plans, targeted predator control, fire management and regular monitoring and reporting.

Mr Kean noted Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinction in the world and said he hoped the new target of zero would make a difference before it’s too late.

“Globally, one million species face extinction over the coming decades and, as international biodiversity negotiations continue, everyone needs to aim high,” he said.

The announcement comes as Southern Highlands environmental groups such as WinZero are fighting for the preservation of koala habitat in the face of encroaching developments.

Vulnerable koala populations will be protected by the new announcement of new assets of intergenerational significance. Picture: The Australian Reptile Park

WinZero deputy chairman, Clive West, said two controversial local developments, Earl St Bowral and the Frensham development, are proposed on land that is “core koala habitat”.

Mr West said the protection of habitats was an important issue in the Southern Highlands, particularly as more people seek to move to the area. He welcomed the announcement of the new protected areas as a step in the right direction and said it was “great news” for the shire.

“This shire is in a very crucial position in terms of the Great Dividing Range, which is the major habitat corridor that runs down the east coast,” he said.

“It’s the connectivity that’s so important.”

WinZero will continue to campaign for protected species in the area but, for now, Mr West said the announcement of the new protected areas is a good start.