During 2010, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife received a donation of high value conservation land which it has gifted to the public for future protection in our national reserve system.
The land donation by John and Shirley Sarks provides the addition of more than 120 hectares to the Yellomundee Regional Park, increasing its size by 25%. “John and Shirley have cared for this land for many years and wish to pass on their enjoyment of its natural beauty to the public for the appreciation of future generations." said Ms Leonie Gale, CEO of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife.
Yellomundee Regional Park is on the eastern escarpment of the New South Wales Blue Mountains, north-west of Penrith extending from Yarramundi to Mount Riverview and Emu Heights. This land donation will create a link from the river flats to the top of the escarpment. The Park is very special as it contains large areas of natural bushland as well as sites of cultural and historic significance with important areas of alluvial and riverine plant communities.
“This very generous donation by Mr and Mrs Sarks of mostly pristine bush will add a unique land parcel to the Park thus further enhancing environmental protection of the lower Mountains and the eastern Blue Mountains escarpment.” said Mr Alistair Henchman, Acting Deputy Director General, Parks and Wildlife Group.
“I’m certain that future generations will continue to be grateful for this endowment of land, which will be fully protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 as part of the Regional Park”. Mr Henchman added.
“With extensive views of Penrith Lakes the land also protects the Fitzgerald Creek catchment for the Sydney Basin, acts as a buffer for adjoining land uses that may affect the park’s viability and makes a contribution to the effective and efficient management of the reserve.” Ms Gale emphasised.
The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is the only organisation in Australia whose philanthropy is an investment in our public estate, for all to enjoy. There are tax incentives for landholders donating land but the real value is the growth of our national parks and the protection this gives to our many plants and animals cared for under their management.
The property is within the Great Eastern Ranges, a landscape scale corridor to protect endangered and threatened species through connectivity of ecosystems.
