The Nature Conservancy offers Great Cumbung Swamp for controversial sale
“This has been an incredibly hard decision but necessary” - TNC
By Krista Schade
In a surprise move The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Australia has offered The Great Cumbung Swamp up for sale.
Touted as one of the largest remaining natural reedbed wetlands in NSW the joint properties of Juanbung and Boyong Stations are located 110 kilometres northwest of Hay and encompass 34,114 hectares.
It is expected the properties will attract offers over $60 million, which could nett TNC and partner Tiverton Agriculture more than a $5 million profit after four years of ownership.
The partnership purchased the Cumbung in 2019 after raising the $55 million price tag through philanthropic means, and stated at the time that the purpose was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to protect significant ecosystems.
It now seems the sale will probably attract the most interest from large cattle farming or timber cutting interests.
Controversially, Tiverton Agriculture has carried on a commercial timber harvesting enterprise on the lands since 2019 and the license for timber harvesting has recently been extended for an additional 15 years.
TNC describes itself as a world-wide charitable organisation which focuses on environmental protection, which has some questioning both the four years of management and the recent sale announcement.
In 2019 the purchase of the Great Cumbung Swamp was marketed as a ground-breaking win for conservation, and one that provided a protected link for native species from the Cumbung, through Gayini (Nimmie Caira) and into Yanga National Park, in the Low Bidgee region between Hay and Balranald.
The Nature Conservancy also facilitated the purchase of Gayini (Nimmie Caira) west of Hay, in partnership with Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC).
NNTC Chair Jamie Woods tweeted his displeasure at both the sale of the area and the timing of the announcement, which was released on World Environment Day.
“Of all days (a) significant and environmental rich landscape goes live on the market on World Environment Day,” Mr Woods’ post read.
“I’m not sure who is running the sh*t show at TNC and Tiverton but please learn to show some respect and class to the people that do care.”
The Nature Conservancy supplied The Riverine Grazier with a statement on the decision to sell.
“After a comprehensive review of options, a decision has been made to find a new owner for the Great Cumbung property.
“The current model was not deemed to be viable any longer.
“This has been an incredibly hard decision but necessary given the commercial realities faced.
“We remain deeply committed to our core objectives of protecting Australia’s environment and supporting its communities.
“We have a portfolio of large-scale projects underway across the country, and we will continue advancing and evolving these to protect Australia’s most critical ecosystems.”
Juanbung and Boyong Stations, encompassing much of the Great Cumbung Swamp, will be offered for sale, by agents LAWD. Image: LAWD.
