More than 40 years of planning to return the yellow-footed rock wallaby to Western Ridge on Mutawintji Lands north-east of Broken Hill is set to be realised in a major conservation milestone.
Mutawintji Board of Management, in partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, will soon begin the long-planned translocation.
The NSW Government has committed $450,000 through its Saving our Species and Feral Predator-Free Area programs to support the project.
The return of the yellow-footed rock wallaby is part of Wangarru Wanaalypi, meaning "the returning of Wangarru", an Aboriginal-led conservation program focused on restoring and protecting the culturally significant species.
Mutawintji Board of Management chairperson Warlpa Thompson said the return of the species carried decades of cultural significance for local people.
"Wangarru Wanaalypi represents decades of cultural commitment to bringing the yellow-footed rock wallaby back to Country," Mr Thompson said.
"This project is deeply important to our people - the return of this species strengthens culture, Country and community.
"Through strong partnerships and Aboriginal leadership, we are ensuring the yellow-footed rock wallaby has a future on Mutawintji Lands."
The yellow-footed rock wallaby was once widespread across Mutawintji Lands but is now isolated to just two adjacent ranges.
Its reintroduction to Western Ridge, opposite the campground and identified as a Feral Predator-Free Area site, is expected to help restore the species to part of its former range and support its long-term survival.
The project has remained a priority for the Mutawintji Board of Management for decades and is included in the Mutawintji Lands Plan of Management.
Conservation efforts date back to aerial surveys in the 1980s and were later supported by the purchase of Mutawintji Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area for the species' protection.
An intensive goat management program has also removed more than 30,000 feral goats in the past 12 months to improve habitat quality ahead of the translocation.
Western Ridge was selected because it was former yellow-footed rock wallaby habitat and conditions have improved after ongoing pest management.
The implementation of Wangarru Wanaalypi this year formally strengthens conservation work led by the Mutawintji Board of Management.
It is intended to ensure cultural knowledge and ecological science continue to work together.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the return marked a major step for conservation in New South Wales.
"The return of the yellow-footed rock wallaby to Western Ridge is a landmark conservation achievement and a powerful example of Aboriginal-led environmental stewardship," Ms Sharpe said.
"After more than 40 years of planning and persistence, we're restoring this iconic species to part of its former range and strengthening its future in NSW.
"Significant investment in feral animal control has transformed this landscape, creating the right conditions for the yellow-footed rock wallaby to thrive once again."
NPWS and the Mutawintji Board of Management will monitor the translocated wallabies to support their establishment and long-term success.
