23 November 2021

Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains)—In October this year, the Blue Mountains Conservation Society celebrated its 60th anniversary. I would like to pay tribute to this remarkable incorporated association of some nine hundred volunteer members who strive to conserve the World Heritage Blue Mountains region. The Society was born in October 1961 under the name Katoomba and District Fauna and Flora Protection Society, when a group of residents met to determine the action they would take to help protect the local environment. In 1996 it merged with the Lower Blue Mountains Conservation Society to become the Blue Mountains Conservation Society Incorporated. One of the key goals of the expanded Society was to obtain World Heritage status for the Greater Blue Mountains area of 1.03 million hectares. This status was ratified in 2000, a fantastic achievement. Other key activities of the Society include a native plant nursery, bush care, plant study group and bushwalking. Its significant advocacy work continues. Congratulations to the Blue Mountains Conservation Society on sixty years of steadfast passion and commitment to preserving our natural heritage in the Greater Blue Mountains. I am proud to be a member!