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Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in northern NSW will become even bigger with the announcement of a 2,891 hectare addition to the park.

NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker said this is a wonderful result particularly for the endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, stating "the Macleay Gorges area is the most important stronghold for the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in NSW. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park contains the largest confirmed population anywhere, estimated at 10,000 animals.

"Once abundant throughout the mountains of eastern Australia, west to Cobar in NSW, there has been a massive reduction in this wallaby's range. In southern NSW and Victoria populations have largely disappeared.

"The addition to the park links two Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Listed areas. Green corridors linking our protected areas play a vital role in the long term survival of many plant and animal species.

Minister Parker said the addition to the park, about 40 kilometres east of Walcha comprises gorge country straddling a creek which is a key habitat corridor for the Endangered Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby and Glossy Black cockatoo.

Minister Parker added "the addition is an ecologically rich overlap between two bioregions and contains a diversity of ecosystems.

"This rugged terrain which is largely inaccessible, except by foot, will also be provided with wilderness protection via the Macleay Gorges Wilderness zone."

The area will continue to be managed for pests and fire but will be largely preserved as is.

Minister Parker concluded "this is a complimentary addition to the (NSW) Government's $40 million Green Corridor program.

"The aim of the program is to ensure strategic areas of high conservation value lands are purchased and protected to significantly enhance our reserve system."

8th November 2010 - WA COCKATOOS BENEFIT FROM NEW PURPOSE-BUILT FACILITY

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