More than 10,000 square metres of Littoral rainforest near Newport will be preserved as public open space thanks to a $4.6 million joint investment by the NSW Government and Northern Beaches Council.
Member for Pittwater and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the acquisition will ensure the pristine ecological area is preserved for the next generation.
“Our government is committed to ensuring the people of NSW have access to great public open space,” Mr Stokes said.
“Protecting the environment is a huge priority for the Northern Beaches community, so I am delighted we have been able to preserve endangered rainforest, while protecting an important wildlife corridor and increasing green space in the Sydney basin.”
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the purchase was a huge win for the local community.
“Despite its high environmental value, this land on Hillside Road had been slated for sub-division and significant development, so it’s great we’ve been able to partner with the State government to save it and bring it into public hands,” Mayor Regan said.
“I’d like to thank the many community groups and individuals who fought to have this critical land saved and ensure this incredible outcome became a reality.”
The purchase, co-funded with Northern Beaches Council through the Greater Sydney Open Space Program, demonstrates the NSW Government’s priority to secure and improve green space across the State.
The site will now be transferred to Northern Beaches Council for ongoing care and management.
