General News
16 November, 2025
Roy Butler MP's - National Parks Survey Results
Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, releases National Parks Survey Results
Overwhelming discontent with the management of National Parks in western NSW has been revealed through a survey released by the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.
Locals shared the reasons why they are unhappy with National Parks while also identifying possible solutions for the future.
Mr Butler released the survey following several large purchases of former pastoral stations by the National Parks estate, receiving 242 responses.
“My survey was designed to clarify the most important issues according to those who are best placed to understand what’s working and what isn’t – local people,” said Mr Butler.
The survey returned results that closely align with the viewpoints of local pastoralists, according to Sam Beven, President of the Pastoralists’ Association of West Darling.
“Purchasing land at inflated prices to protect landscapes that have happily coexisted with pastoralism since the 1860s and not following through with investment in pest control and tourist infrastructure is unacceptable. This approach should be reconsidered by the government,” said Mr Beven.
95 per cent of respondents were not happy with how National Parks are managed in western NSW, with just one in five seeing economic benefits and slightly more seeing environmental benefits.
Respondents said their biggest concerns about turning pastoral stations into National Parks are:
1) Losing a pastoral business that helps the local economy
2) High purchase prices stopping new farmers
3) Feral animals getting out of control
Respondents were less concerned about poor fencing or the loss of access to roads or fire trails.
A majority support allowing conservation hunting in western National Parks to control feral animals, with just one in four supporting better fencing.
When asked what would make them more supportive of Western National Parks, more than 4 in 10 said stopping purchases above market value, with another 22 per cent supporting clearer rules for converting pastoral stations to parks.
“I thank respondents for taking the time to complete the survey, and I will use these results to guide my efforts at improving the way National Parks operate in western NSW,” said Mr Butler.
