Identifying wilderness
Any area in NSW can be proposed as wilderness by any person or group. The proposed area is then assessed for its wilderness qualities by the NPWS. If the area is found to meet the criteria for wilderness, as defined under the Wilderness Act, it is identified in a wilderness assessment report. You can download wilderness assessment reports at the bottom of this page.
A wilderness assessment establishes whether an area of land meets the criteria set down in the Act. Not all lands must be 'pristine' to be identified as wilderness - small areas of land capable of restoration can be included.
How does wilderness identification affect landholders?
Wilderness identification:
- does not stop a property being sold
- has no influence on how private property is currently managed or current land management activities such as grazing.
- does not restrict the existing legal access to, or use of, private or leasehold land by its occupiers
- does not preclude consent for clearing under the Native Vegetation Conservation Act
- does not have to be identified on a Section 149 certificate unless specified by the local council (contact your local council for more details).
Wilderness is not considered by the State Valuer's Office when undertaking a property valuation. The State Valuer's Office advises that wilderness is not attached to property title and no allowance is made in the valuation for any special value the NPWS may place on the land.
NPWS wilderness assessments
Northern Wilderness Assessment
This project, completed in 2001, identified almost 250,000 hectares of wilderness in north-east NSW.
Southern Wilderness Assessment
This project, completed in 2001, identified more than 200,000 hectares of wilderness in south-east NSW.
Yengo Wilderness Assessment
This project, completed in 2001, identified nearly 135,000 hectares of wilderness in national parks and adjoining lands north of Sydney.