Environment Minister Rob Stokes said on Friday that The Drip would be protected from future mining proposals.

‘‘Today we are undoing the sale of The Drip that occurred when Labor was last in power, disgracefully selling this natural wonder for $2000 in a 2010 lease conversion sale that cost the coal company less than $3 a hectare,’’ he said.

As the  Newcastle Herald has reported, the area has high biodiversity values and a spectacular sandstone gorge along the upper Goulburn River.

The area also has cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community.

Ongoing monitoring of the area’s hydrology will be undertaken.

“The Baird government has secured a signed, compulsory acquisition agreement allowing The Drip and its surrounds to be put into the National Parks estate for the benefit of future generations,’’ Mr Stokes said.

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“If there is a delay in transfer, the Baird government will introduce legislation to ensure that the land reverts to public ownership and can be reserved as a National Park.”

Upper Hunter mayor and Nationals candidate Michael Johnsen said the community was rightly outraged by the sale of the area by the former state government.

“Today the Baird government rights a wrong that was made in the dark days of the former Labor government,” Mr Johnsen said. “This is one of the most unique natural water features in the nation, with water running down the surrounding hillsides, seeping through high rock gorges and forming in pools below.’’

Bylong farmer Craig Shaw said he was delighted the hard-fought community campaign had paid off.

‘‘I get asked about The Drip wherever I go around the state. It’s fantastic news, but it should have been incorporated into the national park a long time ago,’’ he said. 

‘‘In a way it’s disappointing that it has taken this kind of brinkmanship to make it happen just before the state election, but it doesn’t make me any less excited.’’

Julia  and Colin Imrie, who own a property adjoining The Drip and Goulburn River National Park, wrote to then premier Barry O’Farrell in January last year offering 10hectares of Goulburn River waterfront land to help protect the gorge by providing a land bridge.

‘‘They [Colin and Julia] are the real heroes here,’’ Mr Shaw said. 

‘‘Also, everyone involved with the Mudgee District Environment Group deserves special credit.’’