The Hon Bob Carr 23 October 2003
Premier of NSW
Parliament House
SYDNEY 2000

PROTECTION OF CROWN LAND PORTIONS 92, 93, 94 AND 95
SOUTH DURRAS

Dear Mr Carr

Our Association urges the government to make the Crown Land Portions 92, 93, 94 and 95 at South Durras part of the Murramarang National Park.

People with a knowledge of the natural values of this Crown Land have long been calling for its preservation. Now a study of the flora and fauna of adjoining private land has proved that the Crown Land is very important habitat for Yellow-bellied Gliders and many other species.

The limited fauna survey of the adjoining private land (only 9237 square metres) found 4 species of bats, 2 Yellow-bellied gliders, 1 Greater Glider, 1 Feather-tailed Glider, a Brush-tailed Possum, 5 Antechinus and a native Bush Rat. 18 bird species were seen or heard.

Unfortunately the private land will probably soon be approved for development. However, given the rich diversity of species on the small area of private land, it is so much more important to protect the larger area of adjoining Crown Land.

We have heard rumours that the government is considering adding Brooman State Forest's Compartment 70 to Murramarang National Park. If this is correct we congratulate parties concerned. The coupe has outstanding examples of large old spotted gums and pockets of coastal rainforest where many species are at the southern limit of their range. Compartment 70 needs to be part of the National Park.

Yours sincerely