The New South Wales government has purchased the largest-ever piece of land to be converted into a national park in the state's history.
But the acquisition, along with more recent land purchases by the state government, casts doubts on the future of grazing for many families living nearby.
Thurloo, which was bought for an undisclosed amount, is made up of five properties — Thurloo Downs, Margalah, Caloola, Delalah Downs and Yarralee.
The 437,394-hectare site is located about 250 kilometres north-west of Bourke, on the Queensland border.
Following the announcement of the sale on Monday afternoon, NSW Environment Minister James Griffin said the new acquisition had huge environmental implications.
Landscapes and ecosystems that are not found in any other part of NSW will now be protected.
"It contains globally significant wetlands, vast outback woodlands, shrublands … a complex network of arid zone rivers, salt lakes [and] flood plains," Mr Griffin said.
The Thurloo acquisition is the state's biggest individual purchase of land, with the government hoping to make it the largest state national park behind Kosciuszko and Wollemi.
The site was also chosen for its ecological treasure trove, including more than 50 species of plants and 250 species of animals.
About 50 threatened species are believed to live on property, including the flock bronzewing and the sandy inland mouse, as well as several threatened plant species.
"This is a terrific tourism opportunity," Mr Griffin said.
At least 13 stations have been purchased in the state's far west since 2020 and the federal government is planning to create a trail, which it hopes tourists from across Australia and overseas will visit.
The next step is to build visitor infrastructure, observation points and outback driving routes, with the goal to open the national park in 2025.
A 'win-win' for all parties?
With so many stations purchased in recent years, local grazing families are questioning the potential impact on their long-term livelihoods.
Pastoralists Association of West Darling president Terry Smith said while a national park would be good for tourism, he held reservations about the project.
"I was quite surprised with the announcement," he said.
"It makes it pretty hard for farming families that want to expand to set their kids up, if they've got to continually go up against the state government with their deep pockets."
Mr Smith said families that could no longer find or afford properties would be forced out of the area.
"From our perspective, we think that the enterprise-based conservation is better with the land stewards already there," he said.
However, much-needed road upgrades for far-west NSW could be an upside for graziers.
"It is a drawcard for tourism, so hopefully they'll … seal the Cut Line [road] from Tibooburra across to Wanaaring," Mr Smith said.
The environment minister said he was hopeful the new national park would be a "win-win" for all parties.
"We'll work with other government agencies to make sure that the funding is there to improve that experience to hop on the road, hop in the car and get out there," Mr Griffin said.
"It presents an opportunity to deliver great conservation outcomes, driving regional tourism."
