Australian Wildlife Conservancy calls for Stroud landholders to join new Conservation Precinct

AUSTRALIAN Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is calling on private landholders in the Stroud district to join a proposed large-scale conservation precinct.

The initiative aims to strengthen habitat connectivity across the region and increase protection for threatened species, including the koala and greater glider.

One AWC project is the 3871-hectare Waulinbakh Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Stroud, which contains 11 threatened wildlife species and 2 threatened plant species.

The proposal, led by AWC, is being undertaken in partnership with MidCoast Council and MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare Connection.

The first phase of the project is the seeking of up to 30 local landholders interested in participating in the Waulinbakh Conservation Precinct.

“Australian Wildlife Conservancy recognises that working together is the best way to create change,” said Wayne Sparrow, AWC Regional Operations Manager.

“As a unified precinct, we can build a landscape-scale network of protected and well-managed habitat that benefits wildlife, waterways, and local communities.”

According to the NSW Government and MidCoast Council, private landholders manage more than 80% of land in NSW, and around 70% in the MidCoast region.

AWC indicates that while the proposed Waulinbakh Conservation Precinct already encompasses an impressive network of public and private conservation sites, additional support will strengthen an emerging wildlife stronghold.

“Private landholders have an important role to play in wildlife conservation,” explained Wayne.

“We’re keen to support them in managing their properties in ways that enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience.”

Local Gloucester consultant Louise Duff has been engaged by AWC to promote the conservation precinct proposal to landholders and gauge if there is enough interest to bring it to fruition.

“If the Waulinbakh Conservation Precinct gets off the ground, it will enable landholders to join forces and work together at landscape scale to conserve wildlife,” said Louise.

AWC is an organisation involved in the restoration of landscapes at scale, and in the conservation of Australian wildlife, particularly endangered species.

“We are privileged to work in partnerships with Traditional Owners, as well as with pastoralists, governments, universities and private landholders to powerfully extend the reach of effective conservation action,” explains the AWC website.

“We don’t just conserve; we innovate, we lead, and we inspire change at every level to help shape and secure the future of Australia’s unique biodiversity.”

For those interested in learning more about the precinct, AWC is hosting an open day and guided walk at Waulinbakh Wildlife Sanctuary on 1 March 2026.

Locals can also register to chat to a Project Officer about conservation opportunities, and/or attend a community meeting at Stroud School of Arts Hall on 31 March 2026.

Those seeking more information can do so at www.australianwildlife.org/waulinbakh-conservation-precinct.

By John WATTS