IMPORTANT UPDATE - PETITION NOW CLOSED
Last year the NSW Government determined that this land does not meet the very strict criteria for acquisition for the National Parks Estate..

This past week (11 February 2025)  we learned that land had sold. 

The connection we all have with this beautiful place was made possible because of the respect and trustworthiness our community showed to the land and to its owners.

As we move forward, it’s vital that we show that same trustworthiness and respect toward the new owners.

We believe that considerate cooperation will lead to the best outcome for the community and for the environment.

Thank you for your support and interest in conserving this special place.

To: NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment.

An urgent opportunity has arisen on Darug Country in the lower Blue Mountains of NSW to secure a unique tract of bushland for conservation as a protected area.  A 127 hectare parcel of land in Faulconbridge that incorporates the much loved Peggy’s Pool and the Blue Gum forest between the Shirlow Avenue and Grose Road ridges was listed for sale on the 24th of May with an auction date of 18th of June. 

While there are several lots that can be developed as residential blocks, the majority of the land is scheduled C2 for environmental conservation. The land has been privately owned for decades with many residents unaware it was not part of the National Park - though we have been advised that the owners were very happy for the public to access the land. The trails are well known to locals and visitors and loved for their ecosystem variety, plant and animal life, accessibility from Faulconbridge and connection to special sites. 

The Blue Mountains Conservation Society has previously identified the land as a strategic addition to the National Park system, identifying a wide variety of habitat for threatened species in the area as well as the opportunity to protect Aboriginal heritage sites. The land extends north from the end of Shirlow Avenue, incorporating the trail that leads to Turtle Falls, east to the Blue Gum forest in the valley and up to Grose Road, and south west to Peggy’s Pool and up to Meek’s Crescent.

Let's ensure this precious part of the lower Blue Mountains is conserved.

We are calling on the NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and local member and Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Trish Doyle MP: to direct the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to urgently acquire the land and, with appropriate consultation, determine a suitable reserve designation that supports conservation, local Aboriginal custodianship and managed public access.

To follow or join the campaign visit Friends of the Faulco Mallee Ridge/Blue Gum Valley.