Garawarra given national heritage stature

NPWS ranger Bill Sullivan admires the scenery in the Garawarra State Conservation Area, which has been added to the National Heritage List.

A DIVERSE area of bushland surrounding Helensburgh has been placed on the nation's highest heritage list alongside the likes of the Sydney Opera House and Eureka Stockade.

The Garawarra State Conservation Area was added to the National Heritage List following a recent announcement from Environment and Heritage Minister Ian Campbell.

Mr Campbell said the area was recognised, along with the adjoining Royal National Park, due to its outstanding richness in plant and animal species.

The two reserves are home to more than 1000 plant species and an impressive array of birds, reptiles and butterflies.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger Bill Sullivan said the heritage honour was a pleasant surprise.

"We thought the Royal would be recognised, but the Garawarra inclusion was unexpected," he said.

"It's not as old as the Royal, but it shares many of the same plant and animal species and includes some significant patches of rainforest.

"We've completed a few basic biodiversity studies in the area and are often amazed at some of the species we find."

Garawarra stretches across 900 hectares and includes the picturesque Kellys Falls.

Mr Sullivan said the heritage listing would help protect the conservation area and potentially draw more overseas visitors to the area.

He said the area could benefit from additional funding to improve the signage and walking tracks, and prevent illegal four-wheel drive and trail bike activity.