TWENTY-two hectares will be added to the Hunter Wetlands national park as part of a series of amendments to the state’s national park and forest network.
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At the same time, 18 hectares will be removed from the existing national park’s boundary to make way for a rail corridor.
The changes are included in the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Reservations) Bill.
Environment Minister Robyn Parker said the extra land to be added at Tomago was a reflection of the area’s importance to native wildlife.
‘‘This is great news for the local community and the unique wildlife that call this area home,’’ she said.
The land to be removed will correct a previously gazetted boundary error.
The land, which is about 50 metres wide, will be used for a rail corridor that will service the T4 coal-loader project on Kooragang Island.
Ms Parker said amendments would also give industry in Narrandera and Condoblin more time to remove logs from two forests in western NSW.
Wilertroy State Forest will be declared a national park on January 1, 2014 and the remaining section of Yathong State Forest will be declared a national park on January 1, 2015.
The delay was due to an unprecedented wet season, which had made harvesting timber difficult.
‘‘Not an extra log will be taken and not one hectare less of national park will be created,’’ Ms Parker said.
‘‘This is a sensible approach and will not affect the conservation of these forests.’’
