The members of Mudgee District Environment Group and are concerned over the delay in the transfers of land in and around The Great Dripping Wall.

One area is the strip of land that is Crown Land covering the visitor infrastructure area and walking track. This is currently managed under licence by the National Parks and Wild Life Service of N.S.W. The status of this strip is still not yet finalized and needs to be to achieve security for its long term management.

The second is the land currently under the ownership of Moolarben Coal Operations surrounding The Drip and on both sides of the river. In the Deed of Agreement they were to complete the transfer to the State government for the land to become a State Conservation Area by March 2017. This process seems to have stalled.

It is commendable that the NSW Government has made a commitment to long term public management which will ensure the maintenance of public access and preservation of The Drip Gorge and its Great Dripping Wall.

The land in question is of critical importance for the protection and public access to The Drip Gorge and adjacent riparian corridor.

The transfers should be finalized and all the lands be under the management of National Parks.

MDEG wrote to the Minister for Environment and Heritage – Gabrielle Upton – requesting that these matters be resolved.

To finalise the transfer of these lands would be one step towards the important environmental achievement of  securing The Great Dripping Wall for future generations to enjoy.

A State Conservation Area gives a measure of protection. However the tunnels under the river could still go ahead.

The Great Dripping Wall needs for concerned citizens to take actions to protect it.

Join the “Save the Drip Campaign” and add your voice. Contact us