Springhill Lane will remain in the hands of the community and protection of endangered flora and fauna will be strengthened, following the transfer of Crown Land to Armidale Regional Council.
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The council requested the transfer of Springhill Lane, at no cost, following a proposal publicised by NSW Crown Lands in September to dispose of the area.
Council's Interim Administrator Viv May said the acquisition of Springhill Lane would ensure there was connected recreation and open space in this area, extending the Armidale walking track network for the residents of south Armidale.
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"The south hill landscape has important environmental values and the acquisition of Springhill Lane is an opportunity to provide a wildlife linkage to other patches of vegetation, including scattered endangered ecological plant communities," Mr May said.
"Council's koala sightings register has many koala sightings from the area but their habitat is becoming patchy and separated. This demonstrates the importance of keeping the land in community hands and improving habitat for koalas, and our endangered woodland birds.
"Now more than ever, we need to protect our wildlife and encourage habitat rehabilitation. Council is planning a revegetation project for several urban areas to improve koala habitat," he said.
Mr May said he could confirm council would direct $30,000 of federal government funding to the revegetation project. Approximately half of the funding will be invested into Springhill Lane to establish more koala feed trees and strengthen and protect the wildlife corridor."
