In 2011, the Foundation received a donation of land worth $20,000 in the Blue Mountains. This high conservation value property acts as an ecological buffer zone, and is home to the threatened plant species Needle Geebung, Persoonia acerosa.
The property also contains a Riparian Corridor—the interface between land and a river or stream. Riparian zones play a significant role in soil conservation, acting as a natural filter to protect aquatic environments from excessive sedimentation, polluted soil runoff and erosion. Protecting the Riparian Corridor will help ensure the health of the local ecosystem and catchment area.
Our Foundation only accepts donations of land that can be protected in perpetuity and managed for conservation by a suitable land manager.
As the land is not close to any state-managed national parks or reserves, it would have made an odd island if gifted to state conservation authorities.
The Foundation negotiated to donate the land to the Blue Mountains City Council, as the property is contiguous with Council-owned Community land. The council agreed to rezone the property as Environmental Protection Open Space land.
The Foundation offers thanks to Catherine Rawson and Laurence Browning Pty Ltd for their generous and valuable gift. This land donation will protect a priceless piece of Australia’s cultural and natural heritage, our native plants and animals, for present and future generations to enjoy.
The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is the only organisation in Australia whose philanthropy is an investment in our public estate.
