Glenlee in Lugarno to be assessed for possible national parks acquisition

Glenlee, a heritage and environmental property at 80 Boronia Parade, Lugarno, will be submitted to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for assessment as a possible addition to the national parks system.

Georges River Council unanimously approved a Community Acquisition Proposal for NPWS to assess acquiring the property. The resolution does not approve an acquisition or change ownership of Glenlee.

The General Manager has been directed to submit the proposal to NPWS. The agency will be asked to assess the property for acquisition and potential inclusion in the NSW national parks system.

Council will also write to community organisations, including the Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society and Friends of Glenlee, encouraging them to lodge their own submissions with NPWS in support of the proposal.

The resolution does not specify a purchase price, funding source, acquisition timetable or future public-access arrangements. Any acquisition would depend on the NPWS assessment and later decisions by the relevant authorities.

The motion was moved by Councillor Peter Mahoney and seconded by Councillor Matthew Allison. Both councillors disclosed non-significant, non-pecuniary interests in the item. Councillor Mahoney said he is a member of the Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society and Friends of Glenlee, while Councillor Allison said he is a member of Friends of Glenlee.

Both councillors remained involved in consideration of the proposal. The motion was carried unanimously.

The next step is submission of the Community Acquisition Proposal to NPWS. Community organisations are being encouraged to make supporting submissions, but the resolution does not specify a deadline or submission process.

The proposal starts an assessment process for Glenlee. It does not commit council or NPWS to buying the property, and no decision has been made on whether it will enter the national parks system.