Completion of a major park in one of Sydney's most densely populated suburbs is a step closer, with the NSW government expanding it by almost five hectares.
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The "rare native bushland" will be added to Wolli Creek Regional National Park as part of a $13 million budget commitment, the state government said on Friday.
Labor has committed to completing the park project, first launched in 1998, by acquiring outstanding land pockets, and protecting bushland in Sydney's south.
Premier Chris Minns said completing the park had been put off for decades.
"Families across Sydney's south including my own, love our natural parklands," he said.
"This expansion of the park will provide them with even more opportunities to enjoy nature right in our own backyards.
"With more people continuing to move into this area, this won't just open up even more open space for them to enjoy, it will also protect this parkland for future generations."
The new land had been transferred from the Office of Strategic Lands to the Canterbury Bankstown council, the government said.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe described the park as an "urban oasis" providing rare and crucial habitat for more than 460 plant and animal species.
Managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the park is located about 13km from the city centre.
Australian Associated Press
