New park three times size of Centennial Parklands revealed for Sydney's west

Western Sydney is set to gain a significant new green space with the creation of Gulguer National Park. Spanning 1,100 hectares west of Bringelly, the park will be more than three times the size of Sydney's well-known Centennial Parklands. This major initiative aims to protect the habitats of at least 28 threatened species, including the powerful owl and the southern greater glider, alongside unique local wildlife like large land snails found nowhere else on Earth.

The park's name, Gulguer, is derived from the Gundungurra word for the whirlpool action of the Nepean River. Its establishment is a key part of the broader Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, designed to offset the environmental impact of urban development in Western Sydney, where approximately 73,000 new homes are planned over the next three decades. The plan also includes the recent creation of Georges River Koala National Park.

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There's also some more quirky animals like some large land snails that really occur nowhere else on earth except through these areas.

Beyond its ecological significance, Gulguer National Park will safeguard important Aboriginal cultural heritage sites. These include rock art, shelters, axe grinding grooves, artifacts, and a traditional meeting and trading place. The landscape itself is varied, featuring steep gorges and remnants of the old Silverdale Hill Climb car race circuit.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe highlighted the park's importance for the region's rapidly growing population, stating it will provide much-needed access to nature. The park is expected to feature new campgrounds, walking tracks, and cycling paths. The state government is actively seeking further opportunities to expand national parkland as Western Sydney continues its population growth. Gulguer National Park is anticipated to open to the public within the next six months.

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It's why these spaces are so precious and so important into the future. It's making sure that people have access to nature and that we can also build the houses that they need.