New department to strengthen conservation and heritage in NSW
From the Public Affairs Unit of the Parks Service Division

The loss of biodiversity, protecting our cultural heritage and the restoration of rivers are among the top natural and cultural issues to be addressed by a new Government agency, the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW).

The new Department, created by Environment Minister Bob Debus on 24 September 2003, consolidates the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Environment Protection Authority, Resource NSW and the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust. The Department also has strong links with the Sydney Catchment Authority, although the Authority remains a separate agency.

“Environment and Conservation brings together the enormous skills and expertise across the environment portfolio to better service the community, industry, farming sector, conservation groups and the environment,” said Mr Debus.

“It will address some of the toughest issues facing our State, including loss of biodiversity, protection of cultural heritage, restoration of rivers, reducing pollution, waste and fostering sustainability.”

Mr Debus has appointed the Director General of the former EPA, Lisa Corbyn, as head of the new agency. The Department comprises seven divisions, including a Parks Service Division to manage protected areas in NSW and continue to improve its world class reserve system.

“Tony Fleming, former NPWS Director Southern, is leading the Division, which incorporates the four NPWS field directorates that manage the State’s 5.9 million ha of parks and reserves,” said Mr Debus.

“It also includes a new Reserve Conservation Branch, responsible for protected area policies and procedures, technical support and field services and a branch incorporating education, marketing and community programs including tourism, visitor services, neighbour relations and park management activities.

“Tony’s team will also be responsible for the Department’s relationship with the Lord Howe Island Board, the Jenolan Caves Trust and the Marine Parks Authority.”

Mr Debus said the important areas of Cultural Heritage, Biodiversity and Conservation Policy were now part of a new Policy and Science Division, led by Frank Howarth, former Royal Botanic Gardens Director and Chief Executive.

“NPWS, EPA and Botanic Gardens each have highly skilled teams of scientists, who over the years have produced first class, internationally renowned research.

“The changes will allow these scientific teams to co-operate more easily so the best available science is applied to future environmental challenges.

“The collaboration will also focus our first-rate policy capabilities on biodiversity, conservation and cultural heritage.”

Mr Debus said while all agency staff were now part of the new Department, NPWS would maintain its identity and its internationally recognised lyre bird badge. He also made it clear that the amalgamation would maintain jobs in the portfolio.

“NPWS will continue to manage the State’s protected areas, bringing world class expertise to questions of biodiversity and cultural heritage,” said Mr Debus.

“Over the next two years some jobs may change at an administrative level. However, the positions of frontline staff – the rangers, the gardeners, the field officers and pollution control officers, will not be affected.

“The reforms are about building a stronger organisation better placed to protect our environmental, natural and cultural assets and able to deliver integrated and innovative environmental solutions to the people of NSW,” said Mr Debus.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in protecting the environment.”

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