Shanes Park Woodland for Nature Reserve

SHANES PARK WOODLAND

The Shanes Park Woodland (map) is the most diverse, intact remnant of the grassy woodlands which once covered Sydney's western hinterland. Tucked away between the residential subdivisions of Willmot and Shanes Park, this 560 ha woodland patch is home to over 300 species of native wildlife, and has unsurpassed passive recreation & environmental value.

In contrast to the large sandstone forest reserves which characterise Sydney's affluent north and south, almost all of western Sydney's shale woodlands have been cleared, initially for agriculture but increasingly to accommodate the city's explosive population growth. These woodlands are now listed as Critically Endangered.

Amazing Wildlife & Recreation

Shanes Park is the most intact and diverse patch of Sydney's former grassy woodland remaining, with over three hundred native plant & animal species recorded (see Flora List & Fauna List). Almost every endangered species of plant and animal in western Sydney is found at Shanes Park. The site is also rapidly establishing a reputation as one of the best birding sites in the Sydney region, particularly for endangered woodland species such as the Speckled Warbler. The key to this diversity is that Shanes Park is the last remaining woodland not infested with agressive urban species such as the Noisy Miner. A visit to Shanes Park offers a unique glimpse of Western Sydney's wildlife as nature intended.

In addition to outstanding aesthetic beauty (photos), this is the only site in Western Sydney with a substantial network of foot tracks suitable for passive recreation. Over 20 km of walking trail wind through habitats ranging from open grassland to woodland, creeks & swamps. Compared with the barren fire trails of other reserves in western Sydney the site is a bushwalkers' dream. The site is becoming very popular with bushwalkers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts both locally and from the broader Sydney region.

The proposed recreational development

Shanes Park adjoins a large woodland area to the southwest which will form the future Wianamatta Regional Park. Known locally as 'the developers' playground' this park will provide the recreational facilities needed to service approximately 14,000 new residents of neighbouring housing estates. Instead of requiring developers to purchasing existing green space, what was once the largest patch of cumberland plain woodland will serve the developers recreational needs by providing picnic centres, bike race circuits, kiosks and carparks. The site will also function for commercial recreation purposes, and native fauna will be culled and fenced for public safety.

The Federal government have offered to transfer the Shanes Park site to NSW ownership. However, on the suggestion of the NSW government the transfered lands will be made into further Regional Park [potentially National Park?] with associated recreational development in the central core of the woodland.

Local research shows that such facilities will introduce agressive urban birds into the core of the woodland, destroying sensitive species across the entire site. The Shanes Park Woodland is the last safe-haven for many woodland species which do not tolerate these pests. As the last woodland free of such pest species, we believe Shanes Park should be protected against recreational development by classification as a public-access Nature Reserve. This is the only classification which will ensure that this unique wildlife is protected into the future for all of us to freely visit and enjoy.

UPDATE - 22 February 2012

Thanks to the wonderful work of our supporters, the NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker has written to the Federal Government requesting amendment of the Deed of Agreement to remove the requirement for Regional Park classification. However, the Parks & Wildlife Service intend to use a National Park classifcation to allow for recreational development in the core of the site. This ignores the scientific research which shows that such development will introduce Noisy Miners and other pests to the core of this woodland, destroying the unique wildlife forever.

Please visit 'How you can help' and make a submission for Nature Reserve status to save this amazing part of Western Sydney's natural heritage for all to enjoy.

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Please visit How you can help or contact us to have your say before the fate of this special place is sealed forever.