Bourke Shire Council are backing calls for a shake-up of how National Parks are purchased and managed across the state.

It comes on the back of draft legislation from Barwon MP Roy Butler that is now making its way through NSW Parliament.

Butler's Bill aims to ensure there is proper and transparent decision-making around the purchase and management of National Parks with stronger community engagement in the process.

Bourke Mayor Lachlan Ford has been vocal in his opposition to what he labels a "proliferation of NSW National Park buy-ups" in recent years.

Bourke's GM Leonie Brown says local representatives should take advantage of opportunities to have their voices heard.

"Council has previously raised its considerable concerns with the NSW Government regarding the proliferation of National Parks, not only in the Bourke Shire but also across the wider western region of NSW," she said.

"At a recent meeting with officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), it was brought to council's attention that applications are currently open for the new term of NPWS Regional Advisory Committees, with these committees to operate from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030.

"Whilst it is unlikely that the macro issue of further acquisition of land in the west for use as National Parks would be up for discussion at the committee, issues relating to park management, including weed infestations, invasive feral pests, inadequate fencing and like issues, would be part of the Committees role.

"It is considered fair to say that there is considerable discontent across the wider western region as to how the existing tranche of National Parks are being managed." 

Delivering his second reading on Friday 13 February on legislation that would impose new conditions on land acquisitions for National Parks, Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said the move was based on overwhelming push back from his electorate in November of 2025.

Roy Butler MP says he has taken the concerns of Barwon communities and converted them into new legislation to see better processes around national park management.

The Bill's provisions would require the Minister, before acquiring land under the National Parks Act, to obtain a report on the policy objectives of the acquisition.

The local council, where the land is located, would be able to nominate a temporary member to the regional advisory board responsible for preparing the report.

The Bill would also prohibit the acquisition of land under the Act until alternative arrangements are made to apportion the cost of fencing boundaries under the Dividing Fences Act 1991 and to apply local government rates to the land reserved under the National Parks Act.

Mr Butler says the Bill would protect communities.

“The purpose of this Bill is to ensure that, when land is acquired for the National Parks estate, the purchase adds value not only in environmental terms but also to the local community where the land is located.

“We have a situation in NSW where the alleged environmental value of land is often prioritized over the social impacts on small communities bordering National Parks.

"This is not good enough.”

Access the Bill and the full second reading speech here.