Added to the National Reserve System in early 2011, the Lachlan Valley State Conservation Area, Hunthawang is one of the newest pieces of protected land in New South Wales. Fronting onto 42 km of the Lachlan River, Hunthawang served as an important stock station to the Riverina region for almost 90 years. This $5 million property near Hillston today adds over 20,000 hectares to the national reserve system.
The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife partnered with the Federal Government and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service to acquire Hunthawang for the National Reserve System.
The Foundation provided $250,000 towards the purchase price thanks to the living legacy of Ivan Saleta, who left his entire estate as a bequest to the Foundation in 2009. Mr Saleta was a long-term supporter of the Foundation and a regular visitor to our national parks. The Foundation has kept his interests in mind when deciding how best to use his legacy to conserve our precious national parks and wildlife.
Hunthawang is a significant acquisition for conservation as it contains a mosaic of ecosystems that are currently under or un-represented in the reserve system.Today, Hunthawang links the Lachlan Valley State Conservation Area with the existing nature reserves of Nombinne and Yathong. This allows for a continuous stretch of important wildlife habitat in a crucial area of western New South Wales.
Hunthawang Update
In April 2011, the Western Rivers Region Advisory Committee to NPWS visited Hunthawang to view it before any substantial management activity had occurred.
“The Advisory Committee provides input to National Parks & Wildlife Service about appropriate management of its reserves and being able to visit them early assists this process,” said Mr Bill Moller, Committee Chair.
“As a new reserve there are various issues to consider before the 20,000 hectare Hunthawang can welcome general visitors; however there are many activities going on behind the scenes.”
The Committee stayed at Hunthawang Homestead, and inspected several sites requiring management consideration, including a number of creek crossings in need of repair. An engineer was on hand to provide infrastructure advice.
“Hunthawang will be a significant tourist facility for the Hillston area, providing excellent opportunities for both locals and visitors, as it is located close to the Kidman Way and has all weather access,” said Mr Moller.
NPWS Regional Manager Ross McDonnell said that since taking over responsibility for Lachlan Valley State Conservation Area, Hunthawang the NPWS had conducted some initial urgent maintenance works. Its main focus, however, has been on undertaking critical surveys and research to help inform management plans.
“The NPWS have undertaken a heritage study of the buildings on the reserve including the homestead and woolshed precincts,” said Mr McDonnell. “This expert information on the age, condition and heritage significance of the buildings will provide valuable background to help inform the ongoing conservation of these buildings.“
To help inform fire, pest and vegetation management the NPWS has also surveyed and mapped the vegetation communities and distribution of weed species on the reserve.
“It is important that management works are both informed and strategic. We are currently reviewing the information obtained so far and will be working with the Western Rivers Region Advisory Committee to put plans in place for the state conservation area,” Mr McDonnell said.
