Second Review of State Conservation Areas 2014

Second Review of State Conservation Areas

2014

With the exception of photographs, the State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage are pleased to allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part for educational and non-commercial use, provided the meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged. Specific permission is required for the reproduction of photographs.

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has compiled this review in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. OEH shall not be liable for any damage which may occur to any person or organisation taking action or not on the basis of this publication. Readers should seek appropriate advice when applying the information to their specific needs.

Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks, general environmental enquiries, and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY users: phone 133 677, then ask for 131 555 Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727, then ask for 131 555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Report pollution and environmental incidents Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or [email protected] See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au

ISBN 978 1 74359 264 9 OEH 2014/0568 July 2014

Contents

Minister's foreword iv

Part 1: State Conservation Areas 1

State Conservation Areas 4

The second five-year review 5

Exploration and mining in NSW 8

Exploration and mining in State Conservation Areas 11

Part 2: Review findings 12

Review findings 13

Individual SCA review findings 15

Appendix A: Exploration and mining titles 313

Appendix B: Mineral groups 314

Index of State Conservation Areas 315

PART 1 STATE CONSERVATION AREAS

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 1

2 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 3 State Conservation Areas

The state conservation area (SCA) is a category of reserve under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (the NPW Act). SCAs protect natural and cultural heritage values and provide recreational opportunities. However, unlike other reserves such as national parks and nature reserves, they also provide for other uses including mineral exploration and mining, and petroleum exploration and production. SCAs are the only reserve category that allows for exploration and mining.

Because SCAs provide for these dual uses, they form an important category in the public reserve system. SCAs provide an opportunity for lands to be included in the reserve system that, because of their mineral interests, might otherwise not have been available for active conservation management and public appreciation and enjoyment.

SCAs were introduced as a reserve category under the NPW Act in 2002. This amendment also changed all existing state recreation areas (SRAs) to SCAs.

A new class of reserve, called a community conservation area (CCA), was created in 2005. A CCA is divided into four zones, with Zone 3 being the equivalent of an SCA. CCAs are therefore included in this review. Of the 147 reserves that are considered to be SCAs for the purposes of this review, 19 are classified as CCA Zone 3 SCAs.

As at 2 October 2012, there were 147 SCAs covering about 744,704 ha, which represents 10.5 % of all land reserved under the NPW Act. They protect natural and cultural heritage values in landscapes ranging from coastal scrub and rainforest to rangelands, and may include habitat for threatened species or significant Aboriginal sites.

4 Second Review of State Conservation Areas The second five-year review

Purpose of the review The dual-purpose SCA designation (providing for conservation and allowing exploration and mining) is not likely to be required for all SCAs indefinitely. For example, this designation may not be required if mining in an SCA ceases and the land is rehabilitated, or if mineral values are not found in an SCA.

If the dual-purpose SCA designation is no longer required, the NPW Act allows the SCA to be changed to a national park or nature reserve by publication of a notice in the NSW Government Gazette. Normally, a change in reserve category under the NPW Act requires an Act of Parliament.

Terms of reference The Minister administering the NPW Act is to review, every five years after the commencement of section 47M (Review of classification as state conservation area), the status of land within SCAs. This section commenced on 2 October 2002.

The Minister is to give reasons as to why such land should or should not be reserved as a national park or a nature reserve. This review is to be done in consultation with the Minister administering the Mining Act 1992.

Reserve category changes from SCA to either national park or nature reserve can be made via a NSW Government Gazette notice, but only with the concurrence of the Minister administering the Mining Act.

The review process The first review of SCAs commenced in October 2007, five years after the SCA category was introduced in the NPW Act, and continued over a six-month period to 30 April 2008. The review recommended that ten parcels of land be recategorised as either national park or nature reserve.

The second review of SCAs commenced in October 2012 and continued over a seven-month period to 1 May 2013. Titles granted after this period were not considered in the review.

This review follows the same process as the first review. It identifies those SCAs that are currently the subject of exploration or mining titles; or have identified mineral values from past exploration and mining activity; or have geology that indicates potential mineral values which have not been adequately tested.

For all lands reserved as SCAs, the review identifies whether or not the dual-purpose SCA category is still required. This requires a review of mineral values only, as the conservation values of lands reserved as SCAs are already confirmed.

In conducting the review, the Minister is in effect asking the question, ‘Is the dual-purpose reserve category still required?’ To answer this for each of the 147 SCAs a three-step decision-making process has been applied, as follows:

Firstly, do mining or exploration titles apply to land within the SCA? If yes, then the dual-purpose reserve category is still required. Also, under the NPW Act, land that is subject to mining or exploration titles cannot be reserved as national park or nature reserve by NSW Government Gazette notice.

Secondly, does the land within the SCA contain significant mineral values? If yes, and the land is likely to be the subject of exploration and mining activity in the future, then the dual-purpose

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 5 category is still required. These recommendations are supported by a description of the relevant geological evidence.

Thirdly, have the mineral values of the land been adequately investigated? If not, but the geology of the surrounding area suggests that mineral values are likely to be found, then the dual-purpose reserve category is still required.

For those SCAs that are recommended to be reserved as a national park or nature reserve, the recommendation for the most appropriate reserve category is based on: the original conservation assessment of the area; consideration of the different management principles for national parks and nature reserves; and the landscape in which the reserve is situated.

The level of interest and prospectivity in SCAs varies significantly:

· Some SCAs have numerous titles for both exploration and mining for a range of minerals and petroleum. For example, the Illawarra Escarpment SCA has mining and exploration titles for petroleum, coal, agricultural lime and geothermal substances. Reserves like this appropriately belong in the SCA category. · Some SCAs have only one or two exploration titles. For example, the Paroo–Darling SCA has an exploration title for petroleum. Such reserves need to remain in the SCA category to allow for exploration or for future mining or petroleum production (depending on the findings of the exploration), subject to environmental assessment. If mineral values are not found during exploration, the SCA might be reserved as a national park or nature reserve in the future. · Some SCAs do not have any exploration or mining titles applying to them, but have clear mineral values, supported by geological evidence. For example, Carrai SCA. · Other SCAs without titles have unknown but potential mineral values, and should remain as SCAs to allow for future exploration to determine potential. For example, Toorale SCA. · Other SCAs have no titles and no known mineral values, such as Belmount SCA. These reserves are appropriate for reservation as national parks or nature reserves.

6 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Summary of decision-making process for the SCA review

1. Do any exploration or mining titles apply to the land reserved as an SCA?

Yes No Recommend that the land Go to Question 2 remain reserved as an SCA

2. Is there geological evidence of mineral values in the land reserved as an SCA?

Yes No Recommend that the land Go to Question 3 remain reserved as an SCA

3. Are there potential, but not adequately investigated, mineral values in the land reserved as SCA?

Yes No Recommend that the land Recommend that the land be remain reserved as an SCA reserved as a national park or nature reserve

A review will be conducted every five years to take into account the dynamic nature of the exploration and mining industry. Information about the geology of land in SCAs is continuously being improved through exploration and geological surveys, and will inform future reviews. This means that if an SCA is not able to be reserved as a national park or nature reserve as an outcome of this SCA review because of its mineral potential, it will be reviewed again every five years, using improved information.

Future exploration may find that an SCA originally believed to hold potential mineral values does not in fact hold these values, and the SCA might then be reserved as a national park or nature reserve. Should any SCAs be reserved as national parks or nature reserves between reviews, these will be reported on in the next review.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 7 Exploration and mining in NSW

Current trends The resources industry in NSW is currently facing a number of challenges, including fluctuating commodity prices, regulatory regimes, community interest and increased competition for resources from lower cost producers.

Lower commodity prices over the past twelve months has contributed to the value of the State’s mineral production and exploration investment being down from previously high levels. The combined value of NSW mineral production in 2011–12 was approximately $24.5 billion of which coal production accounted for over $20 billion. This delivered approximately $1.5 billion in royalties to NSW over the same period, with coal contributing approximately $1.4 billion of this amount. Approximately $153 million was invested in mineral exploration in 2010–11 and $45 million invested in onshore exploration for conventional petroleum and coal seam gas in 2011–12. The mining industry continues to employ approximately 39,000 workers directly and at least three times this number indirectly, predominantly in regional areas of NSW.

Despite the challenges, there have been a number of new mine and expansion approvals for both coal and metals and the advancement of major projects across the State over recent years. Advances in technology and improved knowledge of the State’s geology are also now making the discovery of mineral and energy deposits possible in areas previously thought to have no potential.

Demand for traditional commodities such as gold, silver, lead and zinc continue to drive exploration around historic mining centres such as Broken Hill and Cobar and around established mineral provinces such as Orange and Parkes. Exploration in the Nymagee area has been driven by exploration success and new mine approvals.

Since the last review in 2008, key areas of interest have included:

· The coal seam gas industry, which has been the focus of much community debate since early 2013, now operates under tighter regulation. · An amendment to the Mining Act 1992 in March 2012 allows uranium exploration in NSW for the first time in 26 years (a ban on uranium mining remains in place however). This is intended to help gain an understanding of what resources may exist in the State.

The NSW Government’s New Frontiers initiative to promote exploration investment in new and relatively under-explored areas has been highly successful in gathering and delivering new high quality geoscience information to encourage exploration. The initiative has now been extended beyond June 2012 with ongoing funding. The north-west and south-west of NSW have historically received little exploration interest owing to the high risk involved in exploring in areas with an unknown depth of overlying sediments and basement rocks of unknown nature. The release of new geoscience information has led to new exploration licences in these areas for metallic minerals.

Titles Exploration and mining in NSW are conducted under licences and leases issued by the Mineral Resources Branch (MRB) of the Department of Trade & Investment (DTI). Exploration licences are granted for different mineral groups (see Appendix B) and petroleum under the provisions of the Mining Act 1992 and the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991.

8 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Any individual or company can apply for an exploration title in NSW; however, before a title is granted, the applicant must satisfactorily explain its proposed program and expenditure, demonstrate its technical, environmental and financial capacity to conduct the program, and explain how it will rehabilitate any disturbance and report the results, as required under the conditions of the exploration licence.

A security guarantee must also be lodged before a title is granted. The application process ensures that titles are granted only to applicants who have the skills and capacity to comply with all requirements.

Once a title has been granted, title holders must negotiate a private access agreement with every landowner whose land they wish to enter and explore. Access agreements can cover issues such as access routes, times of operation, and compensation for disturbance and loss of production.

Assessments of environmental impacts All proposed exploration and mining activities in NSW are subject to the environmental assessment requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act). The level of environmental assessment varies according to the nature of the proposal and the potential scale of impact. For example, all coal mining and mineral sands mining (including within SCAs) is subject to the state significant development provisions of the EP&A Act requiring comprehensive environmental assessment. In contrast, low-impact exploration activities are often assessed using reviews of environmental factors (REFs) prepared to meet the requirements of Part 5 of the EP&A Act.

In many instances, exploration and mining activities are also subject to the provisions of other environmental and natural resource legislation. This includes both NSW and Commonwealth legislation that regulates the impacts of development on threatened species, native vegetation, air and noise pollution, rivers and groundwater, and Aboriginal and historic heritage.

Proposals for exploration and mining are also required to provide plans for rehabilitation, and title holders must report on the implementation of these plans. In addition, title holders are required to provide security deposits to cover rehabilitation costs before starting any exploration or mining that would require rehabilitation.

Further information on the environmental assessment and approval processes related to exploration and mining is available at http://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/environment.

Compliance and rehabilitation MRB regulates compliance with exploration and mining legislation to ensure that legal requirements and title conditions are satisfied, including conditions to conduct proposed exploration, to report on results and to rehabilitate disturbance. MRB also regulates health and safety risks on exploration and mining sites.

Recent changes have occurred with the development and implementation of the Mining Regulation 2010 with the aim of improving environmental management of mining and exploration activities by aligning mining regulation with contemporary environmental standards and legislation.

Where exploration or mining is occurring in SCAs, the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) also has a role in ensuring regulatory compliance.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 9 Renewals Before an exploration or mining title expires, the title holder can apply to renew the title for a further term. The assessment of renewal applications is similar to that for applications for new titles, with the addition of comparing the title holder’s performance under the current title against its proposed program. Mining and petroleum legislation requires holders of exploration licences to reduce the size of their titles upon renewal, on the premise that the findings of exploration already conducted should allow the explorer to focus in on resources, narrowing the search.

Information about exploration and mining in NSW, including the location and duration of titles and who holds them, is available on the MRB website at http://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/titles. Information about the different types of exploration licences and mining titles issued by MRB is provided in Appendix A.

10 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Exploration and mining in State Conservation Areas

SCAs are the only category of reserve under the NPW Act that allows for exploration and mining. This category was created to cover areas of NSW where both conservation values and mineral/energy values occurred together. This has enabled the expansion of the State’s reserve system over areas that would otherwise have been unavailable for conservation due to the future potential value of resources which are owned by the State.

Exploration and mining activities within SCAs must have the consent of both the Minister for the Environment and Heritage and the Minister for Resources and Energy. As mentioned above, the environmental impacts of these activities are also subject to close scrutiny under the requirements of the EP&A Act.

These consent and environmental assessment mechanisms ensure that the dual purposes of SCAs are taken into account before any exploration or mining activity proceeds. They also provide an opportunity for proposals within SCAs to be rigorously and transparently assessed.

Many exploration and mining activities that occur within SCAs are existing uses – they were occurring before the land was reserved under the NPW Act. To date, only a small number of proposals for mineral exploration in SCAs have been assessed and approved, but no proposals for new mining have been received. However, there is increasing interest in exploration in SCAs due to increased mining investment, particularly in the Central West and New England regions.

MRB and OEH are continuing to work together to improve processes for the assessment and approval of exploration and mining within SCAs, to meet current legislative requirements and ensure that the level of environmental assessment is appropriate to the particular activity proposed.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 11

PART 2 REVIEW FINDINGS

12 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Review findings

The second five-year review has found that the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer needed for seven SCAs and parts of two SCAs – ten parcels of land totalling approximately 35,864 ha.

The recommendations are summarised below. For more information on each SCA, please refer to the next section of the report.

SCAs recommended for reservation as national parks

Current category Future category

Brindabella SCA Add to Brindabella National Park

Kumbatine SCA (about 396 ha being the Add to Kumbatine National Park eastern portion)

Lachlan Valley SCA (about 17,726 ha being Add to Lachlan Valley National Park the north-east portion and about 11,698 ha being the south-west portion)

SCAs recommended for reservation as nature reserves

Current category Future category

Belmount SCA Belmount Nature Reserve

Fladbury SCA Fladbury Nature Reserve

Frogs Hole SCA Frogs Hole Nature Reserve

Macquarie Marshes SCA Add to Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve

Mount Davies SCA Mount Davies Nature Reserve

Thalaba SCA Thalaba Nature Reserve

All other SCAs should remain as SCAs because they: · have exploration or mining titles and cannot be reserved as national park or nature reserve under s.47MA, NPW Act; or · have geological evidence of mineral values; or · have potential, but not yet adequately investigated, mineral values.

Two SCAs have been re-categorised since the last five-year review. Corramy SCA was converted to a regional park in 2010. Most of Dharawal SCA was converted to a national park in 2012.

There are four SCAs (Boonanghi SCA, part of Kumbatine SCA, Mount Hyland SCA, and Nymboida SCA) that did not have exploration or mining titles over them in the first five-year review and have not been subject to exploration or mining titles over the intervening period. If these SCAs are not covered by titles in the next review this may indicate a lack of interest in exploring these areas.

Everlasting Swamp SCA is affected by an exploration title due to expire in February 2014. While it cannot be reserved as national park or nature reserve at this time, the need for the dual-purpose SCA category will remain under active review.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 13 All SCAs will be reviewed again in five years. Many exploration and mining titles will expire during this time, and those over SCA lands may or may not be renewed. The results of exploration during this time may also improve geological knowledge, confirming either the presence or absence of mineral values.

In the event that DTI and OEH review SCAs and the relevant Ministers agree to reserve them as national parks or nature reserves before the next five-year review, the changes will be reported in the next review.

The next section of this report presents the findings of the review for each SCA. The SCAs have been listed alphabetically.

The following general information about each SCA is also provided:

· the size and location of the SCA · vegetation class (based on the Keith classification system) and the relevant bioregion, drawn from the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA), and · descriptions of the geology and associated mineral and petroleum values, and reasons for the final recommendations. The geology in many SCAs is not well understood, and geological descriptions are provided for the wider area where it is not possible to distinguish between the known or likely geological values that occur within the SCA boundaries and in the wider area. Information on exploration or mining titles is correct as at 1 May 2013. Detailed information about exploration and mining titles, including their location and who holds them, can be obtained from the DTI website at http://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/geological/online- services/minview, through the MINVIEW facility.

14 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Individual SCA review findings

Abercrombie River SCA

Description

Abercrombie River SCA is a 965-ha reserve located approximately 77 km north of Goulburn and approximately 71 km south of Bathurst. The SCA is part of a group of parks that preserve low open forest in the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area includes sandstones and siltstones of the Adaminaby Group and black shale units and other sedimentary rocks of the overlying Bendoc Group. Both units are Ordovician in age and represent deep marine sedimentary sequences. The area covers six mineral occurrences with an additional site located on the northern boundary of the SCA. These occurrences include alluvial gold and sapphire occurrences and polymetallic (Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag-Au) and Au-only hardrock vein systems. A number of the occurrences are located adjacent to the northerly trending boundary between the Adaminaby and Bendoc groups noted above. There has been no exploration in the area since the SCA was gazetted in 2010. The hardrock mineral potential of the SCA is yet to be tested. In addition the presence of alluvial gold and sapphire deposits will be of interest to fossickers.

Recommendation Abercrombie River SCA should remain an SCA.

Reason There are no exploration or mining titles, but there is geological evidence of mineral values in the SCA, and the reserve should remain an SCA to allow for exploration and mining, subject to environmental assessment.

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Adelyne CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Adelyne CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 148-ha reserve located approximately 13 km north-west of Dunedoo, and approximately 68 km north-east of Dubbo. The SCA forms part of the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area. The SCA contains ridge woodlands and shrublands of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA lies within the southern section of the Jurassic–Cretaceous Surat Basin, and is underlain by sediments of the Jurassic Pilliga Sandstone and Purlawaugh Formation. Coal seams of the Black Jack Formation outcrop approximately 5 km to the south-east. There has been active exploration in the area. The coal resources to the north of the Adelyne SCA are not well understood, but drilling has shown that there is potential in this region for deeper Permian coal seams within the Gunnedah Basin. The nearest borehole (approximately 3.2 km south) intersected multiple coal seams. This confirms that the area is likely to contain significant coal resources.

Recommendation Adelyne CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Reason Exploration titles apply in the reserve, which means the SCA cannot be reserved as a national park or nature reserve under the NPW Act, and must remain an SCA to allow for exploration or mining, subject to environmental assessment.

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Avondale SCA

Description

Avondale SCA is a 313-ha reserve located 20 km north-east of Armidale. The SCA is characterised by grassy woodlands of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks of the Late Carboniferous Grirrakool beds or Agnes Greywacke. Recent insights into the geology of the area and the styles and distribution of mineralisation present strongly suggest a link with the Rockvale Adamellite or a similar granitoid intrusion beneath the area. The presence of a granitoid at depth is also supported by the geophysical response of the area. The roof zone over a granitoid of this type is an area of high mineral potential. Exploration for metallic minerals is currently underway in the area.

Recommendation Avondale SCA should remain an SCA.

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Balowra SCA

Description

Balowra SCA is a 1718-ha reserve located 92 km south-south-east of Cobar in the Cobar Peneplain bioregion. The SCA is part of a group of parks that preserve semi-arid woodlands (shrubby subformation).

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA covers a sequence of sandstones and siltstones of the shallow water facies Burthong Formation and adjacent sandstones and siltstones of the deep water facies Lower Amphitheatre Group. The Lower Amphitheatre Group is within the Early Devonian Cobar Basin (host to Elura- and Cobar-type base metal deposits) while the Burthong Formation represents part of the adjacent shallow water Mouramba Shelf sequence to the east. The contact between these two units is poorly exposed and passes through the SCA. To the south of the SCA is the Silurian-age Erimeran Granite. Units of the Cobar Basin host significant base metal–gold mines near Cobar and major mineral deposits at and south of Nymagee. Twelve kilometres to the north of the SCA is the Hera deposit. Geologically, Hera is in the same setting as the SCA. Recent exploration to the north of the SCA has been focused in resource drilling and project development of the Hera deposit. In addition, there have been detailed airborne geophysical surveys over the entire area, including the SCA, and a geochemical sampling program over part of the SCA, which encountered encouraging results. The SCA covers a geologically favourable zone for major mineral deposits and hosts known gold and base metal mineralisation.

Recommendation Balowra SCA should remain an SCA.

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Banyabba SCA

Description

Banyabba SCA is a 3572-ha reserve located 24 km north-west of Maclean. The SCA adjoins Banyabba Nature Reserve and Wilderness Area to the west and Banyabba State Forest to the east, and features Clarence Lowlands Spotted Gum communities of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin, which is prospective for coal seam gas (in the Walloon Coal Measures) and has high potential for conventional petroleum. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and there is active exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas.

Recommendation Banyabba SCA should remain an SCA.

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Bargo River SCA

Description

Bargo River SCA is a 1949-ha reserve located 14 km north-east of Mittagong. It consists of two parcels of land located in between Bargo SCA and the Upper Nepean SCA, forming part of a chain of conservation reserves across southern Sydney. It features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology comprises sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin, including Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone at the surface. The Illawarra Coal Measures underlie the area at depth. Coal resources exist within the Bulli and Wongawilli coal formations, and the area is significant for its coal seam gas and petroleum.

Recommendation Bargo River SCA should remain an SCA.

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Bargo SCA

Description

Bargo SCA is a 4619-ha reserve located 14 km north of Mittagong, and borders the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The SCA forms part of chain of reserves across southern Sydney, including Bargo River SCA to the south and Nattai National Park, which it adjoins to the north-west. It features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists almost entirely of sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin, including the Permian Illawarra Coal Measures and Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone. A small area of the SCA overlies a Triassic syenitic intrusion. The SCA is bounded by a coal resource and is prospective for coal, coal seam gas and petroleum.

Recommendation Bargo SCA should remain an SCA.

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Barrakee SCA

Description

Barrakee SCA is a 174-ha reserve that lies approximately 37 km north of Gloucester. The SCA forms part of a vegetated corridor extending from the Manning River floodplain to the Great Dividing Range. Located adjacent to Barrakee National Park, the SCA features wet and dry sclerophyll forests of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks of the Myra Beds, which belong to the Siluro-Devonian Woolomin Group. Copper has been found outside the SCA boundary to the south-east and in Barrakee National Park, which adjoins the SCA, suggesting copper mineralisation may be present in the SCA. The area has been actively explored and further work is planned to better understand the petroleum potential.

Recommendation Barrakee SCA should remain an SCA.

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Barrington Tops SCA

Description

Barrington Tops SCA is a 6502-ha reserve located approximately 90 km north-west of Newcastle. The SCA adjoins the north-western boundary of Barrington Tops National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests, moving into cool temperate rainforests, of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 6 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Barrington Tops SCA consists of three discrete areas, each characterised by different geologies. The area covered by the SCA has been almost continuously subject to exploration licences. The geology of the western area (the largest) consists of Carboniferous rocks that include a wide range of sedimentary and volcanic rock types. These rocks host a major gold province to the west. The Carboniferous rocks are intruded by the Barrington Tops Granodiorite, and both units are in turn overlain by Tertiary basalt (Comboyne Basalt) along with thin alluvial sediments. The geology of the central and eastern areas consists mainly of sedimentary rocks with minor volcanic rocks of the Carboniferous Parry Group.

Recommendation Barrington Tops SCA should remain an SCA.

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Barwon SCA

Description

Barwon SCA is a 5243-ha reserve located approximately 30 km north-east of Walgett, adjacent and south-west of Barwon Nature Reserve. The reserve is predominantly semi-arid woodland with 90% consisting of the endangered ecological community Coolibah–Black Box Woodland. The SCA is located in the Darling Riverine Plains bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The reserve is located in the Surat Basin in Quaternary alluvium (clay/sand/shale), overlying interpreted granitic, volcanic and sedimentary basement rocks. Mineral occurrences are noted nearby. The SCA is on the edge of the Bogan River hydrocarbon discharge area which has been identified as being a likely source of biogenic gas. The area is considered to have potential for gas.

Recommendation Barwon SCA should remain an SCA.

Reason There are no exploration or mining titles, but the mineral values of the land have not been adequately investigated, and the reserve should remain an SCA to allow for exploration, subject to environmental assessment.

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Bedooba SCA

Description

Bedooba SCA is a 1720-ha reserve located 85 km south of Cobar. The SCA is characterised by semi-arid woodland (shrubby and grassy subformations) of the Cobar Peneplain bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is located on the western edge of the Early Devonian Cobar Trough. This area covers geological units of the Lower Amphitheatre Group and Mount Halfway Volcanics. The Lower Amphitheatre Group is host to the former McKinnons Tank gold mine to the north while the Mount Halfway Volcanics host significant gold and base metals near Mount Allen further south. Both units are regarded as being likely to host additional gold and base metal mineral deposits. Large-scale ground and airborne geophysical surveys are being carried out. This exploration has defined fourteen drill targets for Cobar-type mineralisation, and exploration is continuing. In addition, the SCA is less than 8 km from the Wonawinta silver mine. The SCA is very close to the transition between the deep water Cobar Basin and the adjacent shallow water rocks. This zone is an important site for the deposition of gold and base metals and there is evidence for mineralisation being present in the area. The area is regarded as being likely to host new gold and base metal mineral deposits.

Recommendation Bedooba SCA should remain an SCA.

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Belmount SCA

Description

Belmount SCA is a 210-ha reserve located 13 km to the south of Gunning. It is part of the string of reserves known as the Gunning reserves in the South Eastern Highlands bioregion, which contain significant vegetation communities in a poorly reserved region, including a White Box–Yellow Box– Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland endangered ecological community and an area of Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland endangered ecological community.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

It is located within turbiditic sandstones and siltstones of the Adaminaby Group. Black shales occur locally. Historical alluvial gold workings (Meglo Creek Alluvials) have been recorded to the east of the SCA. The SCA is considered to have low potential for minerals, there is no coal present, and prospectivity for petroleum resources including coal seam gas is low.

Recommendation Belmount SCA should become Belmount Nature Reserve.

Reason There are no exploration or mining titles, and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 37

38 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Beni CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Beni CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 1849-ha reserve located approximately 8 km north-east of Dubbo. It lies to the north of Wongarbon Nature Reserve, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) characteristic of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The Jurassic Pilliga Sandstone reaches its southern extent here, as it laps onto the Ordovician basement rocks of the Lachlan Orogen, which crop out to the south and south-east, and where there is potential for gold and copper. The Pilliga Sandstone contains interbeds of mudstone (which are locally mined for clay), and minor amounts of coal. The area holds potential for gold and base metals in the basement rocks, which are likely to occur at a shallow depth beneath the Pilliga Sandstone. Recent mineral exploration licences have not been renewed over the SCA and reports are pending. The area also has moderate potential for coal seam gas and high potential for petroleum.

Recommendation Beni SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 39

40 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Bents Basin SCA

Description

Bents Basin SCA is a 48-ha reserve located approximately 15 km north-west of Camden. The SCA lies adjacent to Gulguer Nature Reserve in the south-west. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The Hawkesbury Sandstone and the Wianamatta Group of rocks, both Triassic in age, are exposed at the surface of this area. These sequences overlie the Illawarra Coal Measures, which suggests coal resources beneath the area. Minor Quaternary channel and floodplain alluvium may also be present. The area is prospective for coal, coal seam gas and petroleum. Part of the exploration licence area about 15 km south of the SCA has been converted to petroleum production leases and production is planned to expand northward.

Recommendation Bents Basin SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 41

42 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Berlang SCA

Description

Berlang SCA is a 2319-ha reserve located approximately 42 km inland from Batemans Bay. The SCA adjoins Deua National Park and forms part of a chain of reserves along the southern coastal escarpment, and features wet sclerophyll forests and grassy woodlands characteristic of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of Silurian Long Flat Volcanics and Braidwood Granodiorite, with small areas of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks of the Late Devonian Big Hole Formation on the western margin. Significant mineral deposits are located in the Braidwood Granodiorite, including large gold resources in the Dargues Reef and Majors Creek mineral deposits, near the SCA. The Braidwood Granodiorite is also the likely source of the Araluen alluvial gold deposits. The Braidwood Granodiorite is highly prospective. Recent exploration licences have not been renewed over the SCA and reports are pending.

Recommendation Berlang SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 43

44 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Biddon CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Biddon CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 3352-ha reserve located approximately 20 km north-east of Gilgandra. The SCA lies adjacent to state forest, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology consists of Jurassic–Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of the Surat Basin overlying Permian–Triassic rocks of the Gunnedah Basin. Drilling to the east shows the presence of both Hoskos and Maules Creek coals. The area has moderate potential for coal seam gas and high potential for conventional petroleum. Exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Biddon CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 45

46 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Bindarri SCA

Description

Bindarri SCA is a 434-ha reserve located approximately 20 km west of Coffs Harbour. The SCA lies adjacent to state forest and Bindarri National Park, and features rainforest characteristic of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of argillaceous sedimentary rocks of the Early Carboniferous Brooklands Beds that host gold deposits. The area was also subject to several exploration licences before 1996. The south-west of the area contains the Woods Reef and Cutliffes Reef gold prospects, and other gold prospects lie adjacent to the northern boundary of the south-western parcel. Active exploration is occurring in the area.

Recommendation Bindarri SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 47

48 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Bingara CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Bingara CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 1993-ha reserve located approximately 35 km south of Warialda. The SCA comprises two portions of land, lies adjacent to state forest, and features predominantly grassy woodlands and dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Nandewar bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1 and 6 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the CCA is dominated by rocks of the Bobs Creek Formation, part of the Siluro– Devonian Woolomin Group. These rocks host vein gold deposits to the south and east of the CCA, with potential for metallic deposits and gemstones. Limestone and rhodonite have been found near the CCA. The eastern part of the CCA contains Tertiary basalt where diamonds have been found in deep leads. The wider area is subject to intense exploration and would require further testing to establish potential. Exploration along the Peel Fault and adjacent areas indicates that significant gold is developed within silica–carbonate alteration zones associated with serpentinites. The interpretation that serpentinites are likely to be present in the area highlights that this area is likely to host significant gold mineralisation. There are additional topographic and geophysical anomalies indicative of alteration zones in the SCA that may also host gold mineralisation.

Recommendation Bingara CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 49

50 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Black Bulga SCA

Description

Black Bulga SCA is a 1554-ha reserve located approximately 16 km north of Dungog. The SCA adjoins state forest to form a bridge between Monkerai Nature Reserve and Barrington Tops National Park. It features wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby and shrub/grass subformations) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology consists of Carboniferous rocks that include siliciclastic sedimentary and lesser volcanic rocks of the Flagstaff Formation, and a wide range of sedimentary and volcanic rock types. The eastern part of the SCA covers the Nerong Volcanics, which are also of Carboniferous age. No mineral deposits are known within the SCA, however numerous mineral occurrences, including the Eclipse Mine and the Cherry Tree gold deposits, exist to the north and south of the SCA. Some exploration was conducted in the 1980s and 1990s; however the area has not been well tested by modern exploration methods. The surrounding geology suggests the area may also be prospective for silver, as well as petroleum and gas, which may occur in Sydney–Gunnedah Basin rocks thrust below the surface volcanic rocks. The titleholder is planning further work to better understand the petroleum potential.

Recommendation Black Bulga SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 51

52 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Bobbiwaa CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Bobbiwaa CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 2688-ha reserve located approximately 23 km north-east of Narrabri. The SCA lies a short distance from Mount Kaputar National Park, and is dominated by dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) transitioning to grassy woodlands, of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is made up of Jurassic sediments of the Pilliga Sandstone and Naperby Formation. The SCA lies at the western edge of the New England Orogen and holds moderate potential for petroleum and gas in sedimentary rocks thrust under the faulted margin of the orogen. Exploration is currently under way in the wider area. Bores approximately 16 km to the south show the presence of both Hoskos and Maules Creek coals.

Recommendation Bobbiwaa CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 53

54 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Boonanghi SCA

Description

Boonanghi SCA is a 1242-ha reserve located approximately 18 km west of Kempsey. The SCA represents an eastern extension to Boonanghi Nature Reserve. The SCA features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) characteristic of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises siliciclastic sandstones and mudstones of the Majors Creek Formation and siliciclastic siltstones, sandstones and conglomerates of the Kullatine Formation, which are of Carboniferous age. Numerous mineral deposits are known in the area, including the Silver Creek Mine. Interpretation of geophysical data (isostatic gravity) suggests potential for epithermal-style mineralisation, probably related to a granitoid at depth. The area remains prospective; however, there has been no exploration since the last five-year review.

Recommendation Boonanghi SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 55

56 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Brigalow SCA

Description

Brigalow SCA is a 252-ha reserve located approximately 20 km west of Narrabri, adjacent to Brigalow Park Nature Reserve. The SCA is located in the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is located in the Bohena Trough in sedimentary sequences of the Gunnedah Basin, overlying interpreted Devonian Volcanics. Numerous petroleum wells are located within 10 km of the Brigalow SCA parcels and there are numerous petroleum titles in the area.

Recommendation Brigalow SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 57

58 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Brindabella SCA

Description

Brindabella SCA is a 2880-ha reserve located approximately 20 km west of Belconnen. The SCA provides an eastern extension to and connects two parts of Brindabella National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by shallow marine felsic volcanic rocks and volcanic-derived sedimentary rocks of the Mountain Creek Volcanics. The area has untested potential for base metal and gold deposits. There are no known mineral occurrences within the SCA and the prospectivity of the area is low.

Recommendation Brindabella SCA should be reserved as an addition to Brindabella National Park.

Reason There are no exploration or mining titles and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 59

60 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Bulahdelah SCA

Description

Bulahdelah SCA is a 138-ha reserve located just north of Bulahdelah Village and covering a prominent ridge. The SCA features wet and dry sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) characteristic of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises the Alum Mountain Volcanics and lithic sandstone and minor pebbly conglomerate of the Bulahdelah Formation, both of which are of Permian age. The area also includes Quaternary sandy sediments of the Bulahdelah Plain. The area has been a source of alunite, which was mined historically from a number of deposits in similar rocks to the south of the SCA and from one deposit on the south-eastern margin of the SCA. The area also hosts epithermal-style gold and silver mineralisation, which has been the subject of exploration drilling. This area is considered prospective.

Recommendation Bulahdelah SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 61

62 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Bullawa Creek CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Bullawa Creek CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 99-ha reserve located approximately 10 km east of Narrabri. The SCA lies approximately 15 km west of Mount Kaputar National Park, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by Triassic to Permian sedimentary rocks of the Gunnedah Basin. It contains the Maules Creek Formation, which is highly prospective for coal. The area also has high conventional petroleum potential as evidenced by the conversion of areas within the licence to a petroleum production lease and petroleum assessment lease.

Recommendation Bullawa Creek CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 63

64 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Bundjalung SCA

Description

Bundjalung SCA is a 4870-ha reserve located approximately 28 km north-west of Yamba. The SCA connects part of Bundjalung National Park with neighbouring state forest, and features dry sclerophyll forests, with a mostly shrubby subformation, characteristic of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology consists of sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin, overlain in part by unconsolidated fluvial sediments of Quaternary age. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for coal seam gas and conventional petroleum is in progress. There is high potential for coal seam gas and conventional petroleum in the area and exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Bundjalung SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 65

66 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Bungawalbin SCA

Description

Bungawalbin SCA is a 1834-ha reserve located approximately 22 km east of Woodburn. The SCA extends Bungawalbin National Park to the north, and features forested wetlands, moving into grassy woodlands, of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA consists of sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin. Most of the basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both coal seam gas and conventional petroleum is in progress. There is high coal seam gas and conventional petroleum potential.

Recommendation Bungawalbin SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 67

68 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Bungonia SCA

Description

Bungonia SCA is a 3236-ha reserve located approximately 28 km east of Goulburn. The SCA features one of the first karst areas in Australia to be reserved for public recreation and is dominated by dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass and shrubby subformations) of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1 and 2

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by meta-sedimentary rocks of the Ordovician Adaminaby Group, calcareous rocks of the Bungonia Group (Silurian to Early Devonian) and the Devonian Bindook Volcanic Complex. The area contains significant orogenic and alluvial gold deposits and polymetallic deposits. It has a long history of exploration and mining and remains prospective. Gold, base metals, molybdenum and limestone have been mined at a number of locations within and adjacent to the SCA. Exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Bungonia SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 69

70 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Burragorang SCA

Description

Burragorang SCA is a 17643-ha reserve located approximately 20 km west of Camden. The SCA forms part of a chain of reserves across southern Sydney, including Blue Mountains National Park located to the west and Nattai SCA and National Park to the south. The SCA is dominated by dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) characteristic of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin, including the Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone, the Permian Illawarra Coal Measures and Shoalhaven Group. The SCA contains various coal seams, including the Bulli and Wongawilli seams within the Illawarra Coal Measures. Drilling has confirmed the presence of coal and shales. There is also moderate coal seam gas potential.

Recommendation Burragorang SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 71

72 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Butterleaf SCA

Description

Butterleaf SCA is a 712-ha reserve located approximately 40 km north-east of the Glenn Innes township. The SCA extends Butterleaf National Park to the east towards Washpool National Park, and is dominated by grassy woodlands moving into dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology of the SCA is dominated by the Permian Emmaville Volcanics (predominantly rhyolitic) and Carboniferous sediments of the Coffs Harbour Association. These rocks have been intruded by the Kingsgate Leucogranite and the Wards Mistake Monzogranite. Tungsten mineralisation in a similar geological setting occurs 6 km to the north-west. The SCA is prospective for Group 1 minerals, particularly granite-related tin, tungsten and molybdenum.

Recommendation Butterleaf SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 73

74 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Camerons Gorge SCA

Description

Camerons Gorge SCA is a 429-ha reserve located approximately 39 km north of Muswellbrook. The SCA extends Camerons Gorge Nature Reserve to the south, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is dominated by Carboniferous Seaham Formation mudstones and tillites just west of the Hunter Mooki thrust fault, which separates the New England Orogen from the Sydney Basin. The Highland Home gold prospect occurs in the northern corner of the SCA, and the whole area has potential for underthrust coal and gas. The SCA lies close to the Hunter Mooki thrust and represents a prospective area for underthrust gas potential as well as gold potential in the surface rocks.

Recommendation Camerons Gorge SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 75

76 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Cape Byron SCA

Description

Cape Byron SCA is a 98-ha reserve located approximately 2 km from Byron Bay. The SCA is situated on the coast adjacent to Arakwal National Park in the South Eastern Queensland bioregion and features the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA mainly comprises a variety of meta-sediments of the Neranleigh–Fernvale Beds, which are of Carboniferous age. Small amounts of silver have been found in slate on the southern edge of the SCA. Mineral sands have been mined in the Quaternary age coastal sand dunes to the north and south of the SCA. The rocks of the SCA are basement rocks with low petroleum potential. Past mining and urban development of the Cape Byron area has made future development of mineral sand deposits unlikely.

Recommendation Cape Byron SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 77

78 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Carrai SCA

Description

Carrai SCA is a 6853-ha reserve located approximately 69 km south-east of Armidale. The SCA links separate portions of Carrai National Park, and features wet and dry sclerophyll forests of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises siliciclastic sedimentary and minor volcanic rocks of the Parrabel Beds, which are of Permian age. These units are intruded by the Carrai Granodiorite, which are known to drive metalliferous mineralisation: primary and alluvial tin, gold, copper, zinc and arsenic have all been found in the SCA. Recent studies suggest that the area is highly prospective for tin, gold and other metals. A recent exploration title has not been renewed over the SCA.

Recommendation Carrai SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 79

80 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Cascade SCA

Description

Cascade SCA is a 421-ha reserve located approximately 10 km north of Dorrigo. The SCA forms part of a chain of reserves, including Cascade and Nymboi–Binderay national parks, and features rainforests of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of a complex group of mainly marine igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Brooklana Beds (Coffs Harbour Group), which are of Early Carboniferous age. The Paddys Plain copper–gold–antimony prospect is located on the western margin of the SCA. A major structure with an approximately north-west orientation transects the area. The north-westerly structure represents a significant mineralised corridor that hosts numerous deposits that would need to be adequately tested to establish potential. The area is prospective for Group 1 minerals and exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Cascade SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 81

82 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Cataract SCA

Description

Cataract SCA is a 572-ha reserve located approximately 52 km north-east of Tenterfield. The SCA lies on the northern border of Cataract National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) characteristic of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology is dominated by sandstones and conglomerates of the Late Carboniferous Emu Creek Formation. These rocks host the Tooloom goldfield 3.5 km east of the SCA, and the Big Fish Flat Alluvial gold prospect is located on the eastern boundary of the SCA. The geology is prospective for gold. Recent exploration licences have not been renewed over the SCA.

Recommendation Cataract SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 83

84 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Chaelundi SCA

Description

Chaelundi SCA is a 1624-ha reserve located approximately 54 km north-west of Dorrigo. The SCA provides a bridge between Guy Fawkes River National Park to the west and Chaelundi National Park to the east, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA comprises three portions separated by state forest and national park. The two northern portions host many old gold prospects and mines which have not been explored by modern methods. The southern portion lies in Coramba Beds, which also host gold prospects. The three portions all hold potential for re-evaluation of old gold mines. A recent exploration licence has not been renewed over the SCA.

Recommendation Chaelundi SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 85

86 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Chambigne SCA

Description

Chambigne SCA is a 760-ha reserve located approximately 15 km west of Grafton, adjacent to Chambigne Nature Reserve. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forest and is located in the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Chambigne SCA is located in the Kangaroo Creek Sandstone and Walloon Coal Measures of the Clarence–Morton Basin. To date the area has been largely unexplored; however, it is regarded as possessing high potential for both conventional petroleum and coals seam gas. The Jackys Creek potential resource area, which has considerable potential for large sandstone resources, is located approximately 2 km to the north of Chambigne SCA. The area is considered to have high potential for petroleum resources.

Recommendation Chambigne SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 87

88 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Chatsworth Hill SCA

Description

Chatsworth Hill SCA is a 510-ha reserve located approximately 10 km north of Maclean. The SCA lies adjacent to state forest to the west, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is dominated by the ridge-forming Jurassic Kangaroo Creek Sandstone, which in this area overlies the Walloon Coal Measures. Conventional petroleum has been discovered within Kangaroo Creek Sandstone and coal seam gas has been found in the Walloon Coal Measures.

Recommendation Chatsworth Hill SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 89

90 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Cobbora CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

The Cobbora CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 2261-ha reserve located approximately 20 km west of Dunedoo. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forest (shrubby subformation) of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Cobbora CCA Zone 3 SCA is located within sedimentary sequences of the Gunnedah Basin including the Pilliga Sandstone. There is an intermittently operated road base quarry on the western edge of the SCA in sandstone. The SCA is underlain by coal and is also considered to have moderate potential for conventional petroleum and coal seam gas. Two seismic surveys have been carried out in the region within 10 km of the SCA since 2010, indicating interest in obtaining additional data on the geology and resource potential of the region.

Recommendation Cobbora CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 91

92 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Columbey SCA

Description

Columbey SCA is a 250-ha reserve located approximately 25 km north-east of Maitland. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forest and lies within the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The site is within the Carboniferous Mt Johnstone Formation which comprises course-grained sedimentary rocks. Volcanic intrusives are found on the north-western boundary of the SCA. The area is largely unexplored for conventional and unconventional petroleum.

Recommendation Columbey SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 93

94 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Colymea SCA

Description

Colymea SCA is a 1674-ha reserve located approximately 12 km south-west of Nowra. The SCA lies near a number of smaller nature reserves, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by sandstones and siltstones of the Nowra Sandstone and Snapper Point Formation, which comprise part of the Permian Shoalhaven Group. The area has moderate potential for conventional petroleum and low coal seam gas potential. The SCA has low mineral values.

Recommendation Colymea SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 95

96 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Combaning SCA

Description

Combaning SCA is a 741-ha reserve located 20 km south-east of Temora. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forest (shrubby subformation) of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA covers a sequence of Ordovician siltstones and sandstones which has been intruded by Devonian-age dykes and Devonian-age granites. Immediately to the west of the SCA are sedimentary rocks of the Combaning Formation. A number of mineral occurrences are present, both within and immediately adjacent to the SCA. These include Stows, Ironclad and Pirate King gold mines. Recorded gold production from these occurrences is very small. In addition, there is a nickel prospect (Merri Hill prospect) located 300 m from the south-west boundary of the SCA. The prospect is likely to contain nickel mineralisation and, although little work has been undertaken to test the area for hard rock gold mineralisation, there will be exploration interest into the future.

Recommendation Combaning SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 97

98 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Coneac SCA

Description

Coneac SCA is a 804-ha reserve located approximately 23 km north-west of Gloucester. The SCA lies about 10 km south of Woko National Park and is bordered by state forest to the east. The SCA features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy and shrubby subformations) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of siliciclastic and minor carbonate units of the Carboniferous to Early Permian Parry Group. The Dead Bird gold mine lies to the north of the SCA, and Boorers Prospect lies to the west of the SCA. This area is prospective, with a significant gold field of orogenic style. The area is also prospective for petroleum and gas, which may occur in Sydney– Gunnedah Basin rocks thrust below the surface volcanic rocks. The titleholder is planning further work that should provide a better understanding of the petroleum potential of this area.

Recommendation Coneac SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 99

100 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Cooleburba SCA

Description

Cooleburba SCA is a 435-ha reserve located approximately 5 km north of Coonabarabran. It is adjacent to the south edge of Pilliga Nature Reserve. The SCA contains sandstone shrubby woodlands and lies in the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is located within the Pilliga Sandstone in the Rocky Glen Ridge structural domain of the Gunnedah Basin. The area is underlain by coal resources, possibly at shallow depths nearby. The SCA is considered to have moderate potential for conventional petroleum and coal seam gas. The general area has a number of petroleum wells and in 2008 was the subject of the Gwydir 2D Seismic Survey.

Recommendation Cooleburba SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 101

102 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Copeland Tops SCA

Description

Copeland Tops SCA is a 2420-ha reserve located approximately 14 km west of Gloucester. The SCA features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy and shrubby subformations) of the NSW North Coast bioregion. The closest reserve is Coneac SCA to the north.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1 and Petroleum

Mining titles – Group 1

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology is dominated by the Early Carboniferous sediments of the Bowman Beds, and the SCA contains over 20 old mines and prospects for gold. The SCA contains the Copeland goldfield and an active mining lease.

Recommendation Copeland Tops SCA should remain an SCA.

Reason Exploration and mining titles apply in the reserve, which means the SCA cannot be reserved as a national park or nature reserve under the NPW Act, and must remain an SCA to allow for exploration or mining, subject to environmental assessment.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 103

104 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Corymbia SCA

Description

Corymbia SCA is a 495-ha reserve located approximately 12 km north of Grafton. The SCA lies to the west of Southgate State Forest and south of Fortis Creek National Park, and is surrounded by privately-owned land. It features grassy woodlands and dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin. The surface geology comprises siliciclastic, organic-rich rocks of the Grafton Formation. The SCA is located in an area with high potential for coal seam gas and moderate potential for conventional gas and petroleum. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress.

Recommendation Corymbia SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 105

106 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Cottan–Bimbang SCA

Description

Cottan–Bimbang SCA is a 105-ha reserve located approximately 78 km north-west of Taree. The SCA lies adjacent to Cottan–Bimbang National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy and shrubby subformations) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is made up of undifferentiated Carboniferous-age sedimentary rocks including chert, phyllite and limestone. Immediately to the north and east of the area, Tertiary Comboyne Basalt covers the ridge tops. The area has potential for gems being shed from beneath the basalt, and for metallic mineralisation in the sedimentary rocks. Drainage samples collected in the area show that only zircon, ilmenite and magnetite were present. No gold or tin were detected in any of these samples. One creek did contain minor amounts of sapphire and ruby, however this occurrence does not contain any potential reserves for either alluvial or hard rock deposits of sapphire and ruby. A number of titles have recently been relinquished over the reserve and reports are pending.

Recommendation Cottan–Bimbang SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 107

108 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Curracabundi SCA

Description

Curracabundi SCA is a 729-ha reserve located approximately 54 km north-west of Gloucester. The SCA lies adjacent to Curracabundi National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises the Myra Beds, which are of Silurian to Devonian age. There are no known mineral occurrences, but there has been very little exploration, and geological knowledge is limited. A series of faults in the area suggest some mineral prospectivity. The titleholder is planning further work that should provide a better understanding of the petroleum potential of this area.

Recommendation Curracabundi SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 109

110 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Currys Gap SCA

Description

Currys Gap SCA is a 272-ha reserve located approximately 3 km south-west of Tenterfield. The SCA lies near Doctors Nose Mountain and Mount Mackenzie nature reserves, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the Currys Gap SCA comprises the Wallangarra Volcanics of the Wandsworth Volcanic Group, of Permian age. The volcanic rocks are intruded by an unnamed monzogranite of Permian age. Molybdenum has been found in the SCA. Various Permian intrusions in the region are associated with intrusive polymetallic mineralisation (typically molybdenum, gold, tin, tungsten, bismuth and zinc) and are highly prospective. Furthermore, the SCA lies along an approximate east–west structural trend where minerals occur (such structures focus intrusions and mineralisation in the region). These structures have not been adequately tested by modern exploration methods.

Recommendation Currys Gap SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 111

112 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Dharawal SCA

Description

Dharawal SCA is a 72-ha reserve located approximately 15 km west of Helensburgh. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin, with Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone exposed at the surface. The Illawarra Coal Measures underlie the area at depth and contain an underground coal resource, mainly within the Bulli Coal Formation.

Recommendation Dharawal SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 113

114 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Durridgere CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Durridgere CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 6172-ha reserve located approximately 57 km north-east of Mudgee. The SCA lies just north of Goulburn River National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin and Brigalow Belt South bioregions.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1, 2, 6, 9 and Petroleum

Mining titles – Group 9

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by Jurassic sedimentary rocks deposited in the Surat Basin, part of the Great Australian Basin, which overlie Triassic and Permian sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin Sequence, including the Illawarra Coal Measures. Exploration activity in the area includes several coal boreholes drilled to the south of the SCA area. There is also active exploration occurring approximately 3 km west of the SCA. The nearest boreholes (approximately 1.2 km south and 2 km north-west of the SCA) intersected 3 m thick coal seams. Exploration to date confirms that the area is likely to contain significant coal resources.

Recommendation Durridgere CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 115

116 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Everlasting Swamp SCA

Description

Everlasting Swamp SCA is a 460-ha reserve located approximately 21 km north-east of Grafton. The SCA lies near Warragai Creek and Munro Island nature reserves, and features forested wetlands of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is covered by alluvial sediments of Quaternary age overlying Grafton Formation and underlying units of the Clarence Moreton Basin Sequence. The area has high potential for coal seam gas and conventional gas and oil. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress.

Recommendation Everlasting Swamp SCA should remain an SCA.

Reason An exploration title applies in the reserve, which means the SCA cannot be reserved as a national park or nature reserve under the NPW Act, and must remain an SCA to allow for exploration or mining, subject to environmental assessment. When the exploration title expires in February 2014, this SCA should be reviewed again to ascertain the need for the dual-purpose category.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 117

118 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Fladbury SCA

Description

Fladbury SCA is a 114-ha reserve located approximately 21 km north of Glen Innes. The nearest neighbouring reserve is Torrington SCA, 20 km to the north. The SCA features grassy woodlands characteristic of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of the Emmaville Volcanics, which represent part of the Wandsworth Volcanic Group and are of Permian age. No mineral prospects are known in the SCA and prospectivity is considered to be low.

Recommendation Fladbury SCA should be reserved as Fladbury Nature Reserve.

Reason There are no exploration or mining titles and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 119

120 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Frogs Hole SCA

Description

Frogs Hole SCA is a 77-ha reserve located approximately 42 km west of Bateman's Bay. The SCA lies between Araluen Nature Reserve and Berlang SCA, and features wet sclerophyll forest (grassy subformation), moving into grassy woodlands, of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area overlies the Braidwood Granodiorite, which hosts many highly significant mineral deposits, including the Dargues Reef and Majors Creek deposits, and is the likely source of the Araluen alluvial gold deposits.

Recommendation Frogs Hole SCA should be reserved as Frogs Hole Nature Reserve.

Reason There are no exploration or mining titles and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 121

122 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Gandangara SCA

Description

Gandangara SCA is a 7-ha reserve located in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney, approximately 4 km north of the Royal National Park. The SCA lies in the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The Gandangara SCA is located in the Sydney Basin within Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone. There are a number of clay-shale occurrences in the area but these sites are no longer operating. The site is within the general region considered to have very high potential for petroleum and coal seam gas. The area is expected to be the target of exploration activities by the current title holder. The Gandangara SCA is also underlain by coal.

Recommendation Gandangara SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 123

124 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Garawarra SCA

Description

Garawarra SCA is a 994-ha reserve located approximately 4 km south of Waterfall. The SCA lies on the south-west border of Royal National Park, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

Mining titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin. Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone is exposed at the surface of the western part of the area, and the surface geology of the eastern part of the area comprises siliciclastic sedimentary rocks of the Triassic Narrabeen Group. The Illawarra Coal Measures underlie the area at depth. They contain coal resources, predominantly in the Bulli and Balgownie seams, which are mined at the surrounding collieries.

Recommendation Garawarra SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 125

126 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Gir-um-bit SCA

Description

Gir-um-bit SCA is a 184-ha SCA located approximately 16 km west of Nelson Bay. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is covered by Pleistocene barrier dune sands which overlie sedimentary rocks and felsic volcanic rocks of Permian to Triassic age, deposited within the Sydney Basin. Much of the SCA has previously been mined for heavy minerals. The Pleistocene dune sands contain deposits of heavy minerals that have previously been mined, but potential for further mining in the SCA is low. The area has moderate to high potential for petroleum. Drilling in Fullerton has confirmed coal seam gas resources.

Recommendation Gir-um-bit SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 127

128 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Glenrock SCA

Description

Glenrock SCA is a 534-ha SCA located approximately 5 km south of Newcastle. The SCA lies on the coast just north of Awabakal Nature Reserve, and features dry sclerophyll forests, moving into heathlands, of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology comprises sedimentary rocks of the Newcastle Coal Measures, and the area has high potential for coal seam gas resources. There has been extensive coal mining within the SCA in the past, but further coal mining is unlikely. A cored hole previously drilled indicated good permeability in the coal seams. The SCA has high potential for coal seam gas and is one of the few large areas accessible for exploration in the area.

Recommendation Glenrock SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 129

130 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Goodiman CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Goodiman CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 569-ha reserve located approximately 45 km north-west of Mudgee. The SCA lies 16 km east of the small Dapper Nature Reserve, and features grassy woodlands characteristic of the NSW South Western Slopes and Brigalow Belt South bioregions.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of the Tucklan Formation (Cabonne Group), with felsic lavas of the Silurian Tannabutta Group further east. Parts of the area include Permian sedimentary rocks of the Black Jack Group, which contain coal. This area is also prospective for metallic minerals, however no exploration has occurred since the last review.

Recommendation Goodiman CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 131

132 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Goonoo CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Goonoo CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 54,522-ha reserve located approximately 43 km north-east of Dubbo. The SCA borders the smaller Goonoo National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1, 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by Jurassic–Cretaceous sedimentary rocks that were deposited in the Surat Basin (part of the Great Australian Basin) and underlying Permian–Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Gunnedah Basin. There are potential coal resources in the Maules Creek Coal Measures. The area has moderate potential for coal seam gas and moderate to high potential for conventional petroleum. The nearest borehole (approximately 5.4 km west) intersected Jurassic coals and an oil shale horizon with the top of the Permian coal sequence being intersected below this. Active exploration for coal is also occurring near the SCA, including boreholes being drilled within approximately 3.5 km to the south. The SCA covers part of the newly identified Tooraweenah Trough which is likely to contain conventional and coal seam gas. Recent exploration has also proven the presence of Hoskissons Seam Fairway nearby with planned exploration including a borehole approximately 10 km south of the SCA. Given the exploration to date, the area is likely to contain significant coal and additional gas resources.

Recommendation Goonoo CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 133

134 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Goonoowigal CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Goonoowigal CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 1055-ha reserve located approximately 7 km south of Inverell. The SCA lies a short distance from Barayamal CCA Zone 1 National Park, and features grassy woodlands characteristic of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1, 2, 6 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the CCA is dominated by the Permian age Gilgai Granite and many historical tin mines which mined alluvial and some hard-rock deposits in the granite. Sapphires and other gems have also been found in the area. The Gilgai Granite is one of the most mineralised granites in New England and has been the subject of intense exploration activity since the recent increase in tin prices. The area is currently a tin exploration hotspot for NSW.

Recommendation Goonoowigal CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 135

136 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Gumbaynggirr SCA

Description

Gumbaynggirr SCA is a 2561-ha reserve located approximately 25 km west of Nambucca Heads. The SCA forms a link between New England National Park and Dungirr National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by siliciclastic meta-sedimentary rocks of the Nambucca Beds. The area contains numerous antimony deposits, including Purgatory Mine and Spencers Mine. The scale and distribution of these deposits suggest major structures in the area that may have focused other large deposits. The area is subject to an exploration licence however no reports regarding mineral potential have been submitted to date.

Recommendation Gumbaynggirr SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 137

138 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Gundabooka SCA

Description

Gundabooka SCA is a 25,430-ha reserve located approximately 41 km south of Bourke. The SCA borders Gundabooka National Park, and features semi-arid woodlands (grassy subformation) of the Cobar Peneplain bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by Cainozoic aeolian sands, fluvial and colluvial silt, sand, gravel and lake deposits, which overlie sedimentary rocks of the Early Cretaceous Rolling Downs Group. Drilling, geophysical interpretation and recent detailed studies in the area indicate shallow cover and that the Gundabooka Syncline (probably made up of units of the Cobar Supergroup) lies up to 100 m beneath the surface. These units are highly prospective and host many major metalliferous deposits around Cobar, Cargelligo and elsewhere throughout central NSW. The Gundabooka Homestead copper prospect is also located in this area. The reserve lies in the Eromanga Basin, an area that has been relatively unexplored in New South Wales, but is a major petroleum producing area in the adjacent states of Queensland and South Australia.

Recommendation Gundabooka SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 139

140 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Gurranang SCA

Description

Gurranang SCA is a 111-ha reserve located approximately 25 km north of Grafton. The SCA is located a short distance south-east of Banyabba Nature Reserve. It features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by Jurassic–Cretaceous Grafton Sandstone that was deposited within the Clarence Moreton Basin. There is high coal seam gas potential and moderate conventional petroleum potential. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress in the wider area.

Recommendation Gurranang SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 141

142 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Guy Fawkes River SCA

Description

Guy Fawkes River SCA is a 4849-ha reserve located primarily approximately 53 km west of Grafton. The SCA extends Guy Fawkes River National Park east towards Chaelundi National Park, and is bordered north and south by state forest. It features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area hosts a significant and extensive orogenic hydrothermal gold field that includes the Pine Creek Lode. Exploration titles have been relinquished over the SCA; however, it remains highly prospective.

Recommendation Guy Fawkes SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 143

144 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Gwydir River CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Gwydir River CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 3520-ha reserve located approximately 25 km south-west of Inverell. The SCA lies near Gwydir River CCA Zone 1 National Park and Goonoowigal CCA Zone 3 SCA, and features predominantly grassy woodlands characteristic of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 6

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by granite of the Bundarra Supersuite. The Copeton diamond field lies to the immediate east of the SCA. The Copeton Dam quarry is located immediately adjacent to the north- east part of the eastern-most parcel of the SCA. No mineral deposits have been reported in the SCA. The SCA has some potential for tin and diamonds. The area has not been adequately explored since the last SCA review.

Recommendation Gwydir River CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 145

146 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Gwydir Wetlands SCA

Description

Gwydir Wetlands SCA is a 4292-ha reserve located approximately 55 km west of Moree. The SCA features a range of floodplain communities, characteristic of the Darling Riverine Plains bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The reserve is located within the Surat Basin and underlain by interpreted Devonian to late Carboniferous volcanics. The area has potential for underground coal resources and is considered to have moderate potential for conventional petroleum. Potential for coal seam gas is thought to be low. The area is only lightly explored for petroleum and coal seam gas; however, further work will follow with a recently approved application for renewal of exploration titles.

Recommendation Gwydir Wetlands SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 147

148 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Illawarra Escarpment SCA

Description

Illawarra Escarpment SCA is a 2758-ha reserve located approximately 4 km from Wollongong. The SCA consists of a chain of small reserve parcels along the coastal escarpment, and features wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) and freshwater wetlands of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 8, 9 and Petroleum

Mining titles – Groups 2, 9 and Petroleum

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin. A variety of different rock units outcrop in the SCA, including the Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone, Narrabeen Group and Illawarra Coal Measures. Some colluvial sediments of Quaternary age are present in the southern part of the SCA. There is a coal resource within the Illawarra Coal Measures with most potential in the Bulli, Balgownie and Wongawilli seams, with other seams such as the Tongarra seam being present in some areas.

Recommendation Illawarra Escarpment SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 149

150 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Jackywalbin SCA

Description

Jackywalbin SCA is a 661-ha reserve located approximately 21 km west of Evans Head. The SCA is surrounded by state forest, and features dry sclerophyll forests and forested wetlands of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by Jurassic–Cretaceous Grafton Sandstone that was deposited within the Clarence Moreton Basin. It is adjacent to the Walloon Coal Measures outcrop and has been mapped as having underground potential. It has moderate to high coal seam gas potential and low to moderate conventional petroleum potential.

Recommendation Jackywalbin SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 151

152 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Jilliby SCA

Description

Jilliby SCA is a 12,159-ha reserve located approximately 13 km west of Wyong. The SCA provides an almost continuous link between Watagans National Park in the north and Brisbane Water National Park in the south, and features predominantly wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby and grassy subformations) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by the Narrabeen Group, which overlies the Newcastle coal measures. Previous coal exploration has identified significant underground coal resources in the SCA, and there is evidence of coal seam gas. The SCA may be required for access to the coal seam gas.

Recommendation Jilliby SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 153

154 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Karuah SCA

Description

Karuah SCA is a 74-ha reserve located approximately 15 km east of Clarence Town. The SCA is bordered by Karuah National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology comprises clay and silt deposits of Tertiary or Quaternary age and volcanogenic sedimentary rocks of Devonian to Carboniferous age. The Tertiary sediments have potential for kaolin deposits similar to that mined nearby at Swan Bay. Drilling at Fullerton has confirmed coal seam gas resources on the exploration licence covering the SCA.

Recommendation Karuah SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 155

156 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Keverstone SCA

Description

Keverstone SCA is a 1,164-ha reserve located approximately 40 km north-west of Crookwell, adjacent to Keverstone National Park. The SCA features woodland of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The reserve is located in the Eastern Lachlan Orogen in volcanic rocks and related sedimentary rocks of the Silurian Campbells Group. The highly prospective mineralised Tuena–Junction Point corridor to the east is covered by numerous titles. The area is prospective for gold deposits and volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) base metal deposits. Mining in the area dates back to the late 1800s with more modern exploration targeting northern extensions of the Elsienora mine 4 km to the south along the Elsieonora Fault. Drilling completed in early 2012 intersected anomalous gold, zinc and silver.

Recommendation Keverstone SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 157

158 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Killarney CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Killarney CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 1858-ha reserve located approximately 12 km north of Narrabri. The SCA lies west of Mount Kaputar National Park, and is dominated by dry sclerophyll forests, with predominantly shrubby subformation, of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is made up of Jurassic sediments of the Pilliga Sandstone and mafic Garrawilla Volcanics. It is underlain by the Maules Creek Formation, in which a potential coal resource may exist in several coal measures. Bores approximately 7 km to the south show the presence of Hoskos and Maules Creek coals. The area holds high potential for coal seam gas and conventional petroleum as evidenced by the conversion of areas within the licence to a petroleum production lease and petroleum assessment lease.

Recommendation Killarney CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 159

160 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Kooyong SCA

Description

Kooyong SCA is a 753-ha reserve located 5 km south-east of the village of Banyabba and approximately 28 km north of Grafton. Gibberagee State Forest largely surrounds the area, with some adjoining areas of private land. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Recommendation Kooyong SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 161

162 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Kumbatine SCA

Description

Kumbatine SCA is a 783-ha reserve located approximately 30 km west of Kempsey. The SCA connects Kumbatine and Willi Willi national parks, and features predominantly wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises argillaceous sedimentary rocks and felsic intrusives of the Carboniferous Boonanghi Beds and (in the western area) the Glen Esk Adamellite (Triassic), which hosts the Glen Esk tin prospect and polymetallic intrusion-related deposits. Tin skarn mineralisation is also present around the Glen Esk Adamellite and has been the subject of previous drilling by exploration companies. The Glen Esk Adamellite may also be related to the Gundle Adamellite, which hosts numerous metalliferous deposits. The western portion is prospective with an intrusive contact in the southern part and several polymetallic mineral occurrences. The area has not been adequately explored since the last SCA review.

Recommendation The eastern portion of Kumbatine SCA (about 396 ha) should be reserved as an addition to Kumbatine National Park. The western portion should remain an SCA.

Reason Eastern portion: There are no exploration or mining titles and limited geological evidence of mineral values, and the dual- purpose SCA category is no longer required. Western portion: There are no exploration or mining titles, but the mineral values of the land have not been adequately investigated, and the reserve should remain an SCA to allow for exploration, subject to environmental assessment.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 163

164 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Kybeyan SCA

Description

Kybeyan SCA is a 4173-ha reserve located approximately 23 km east of Cooma. The SCA borders Kybeyan and Dangelong nature reserves, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) and grassy woodlands characteristic of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA area overlies the Earliest Silurian Colinton Volcanics and the Cappanana Formations of the Bredbo Group. These volcanic units are of marine origin and host several metalliferous deposits, including the Two Eagles prospect and the Mousepath Gossan, both of which have been drilled by several companies for polymetallic volcanic-hosted mineralisation. They also host the Kybeyan limestone deposit. The western part of the SCA overlies the Ordovician Jerangle Metamorphic complex. An exploration title has not been renewed over the SCA; however it remains prospective.

Recommendation Kybeyan SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 165

166 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Lachlan Valley SCA

Description

Lachlan Valley SCA is a 33,689-ha chain of reserves created from the former Kalyarr SCA and Booligal Station. The north-east portion of the SCA is 15 km north of Hillston and covers part of the Lachlan River Valley; the central portion of the SCA is 60 km west-south-west of Hillston, adjacent to the Cobb Highway; the southwest portion of the SCA is approximately 53 km north-west of Hay. The SCA features arid shrublands (chenopod subformation) of the Riverina bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The northeast portion of the SCA (map D6) covers the Shepperton Formation which is the uppermost unit of the Tertiary Murray Basin and a thick sequence of Quaternary to Recent alluvium deposited by the Lachlan River. The Shepperton Formation consists of poorly consolidated clays and minor sediments. Basement to the area is obscured by these younger unconsolidated sediments but is likely to include sandstones, siltstones and shales of the Ordovician Wagga Group that have possibly been intruded by granites. The only sites of economic interest within the SCA are unconsolidated construction material sites. The central portion of the SCA (map C6) covers the poorly consolidated clays and minor sands of the Shepperton Formation which is the uppermost unit of the Tertiary Murray Basin and a thick sequence of unconsolidated Quaternary to Recent alluvial deposits. Basement to the area is obscured by these younger unconsolidated sediments but is likely to include the parts of the Olney Formation which contains lignite (black–brown coal) and metamorphosed basement of the Palaeozoic Lachlan Orogen (Mulga Downes Group). There has been limited exploration to date in the general area and the geology is still not well understood. The area has untested potential for coal seam gas. The south-west portion of the SCA (map C7) is situated within a part of the Murray Basin that is potentially prospective for coal seam methane. There has been limited exploration to date in the general area, and the geology is still not well understood. Previous geochemical investigations have indicated anomalous methane values near the SCA.

Recommendation The north-east portion of Lachlan Valley SCA (about 17,726 ha) and the south-west portion (about 11,698 ha) should be reserved as an addition to Lachlan Valley National Park. The central portion should remain as an SCA.

Reason North-east portion (map D6): There are no exploration or mining titles and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required. Central portion (map C6): There are no exploration or mining titles, but the mineral values of the land have not been adequately investigated, and the reserve should remain an SCA to allow for exploration, subject to environmental assessment. South-west portion (map C7): There are no exploration or mining titles and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 167

168 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 169

170 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Lake Innes SCA

Description

Lake Innes SCA is a 321-ha reserve located approximately 12 km south of Port Macquarie. The SCA borders Queens Lake SCA to the south and Lake Innes Nature Reserve to the north, and features predominantly wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Like the adjoining Queens Lake SCA, Lake Innes SCA is located within an area that is highly prospective for lateritic nickel–cobalt–scandium deposits. Significant deposits of nickel exist nearby. The SCA contains a potential resource of nickel, cobalt and scandium. A recent exploration licence has not been renewed over the SCA and reports are pending.

Recommendation Lake Innes SCA should remain an SCA.

There are no exploration or mining titles, but there is geological evidence of mineral values in the SCA, and the reserve should Reason remain an SCA to allow for exploration and mining, subject to environmental assessment.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 171

172 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Lake Macquarie SCA

Description

Lake Macquarie SCA is a 925-ha reserve located approximately 26 km south of Newcastle. The SCA consists of several separate parcels of land featuring dry sclerophyll forests and saline wetlands of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 5, 8, 9 and Petroleum

Mining titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by the Narrabeen Group, which overlies the Newcastle coal measures. Coal mining is currently occurring in the SCA. Exploration for coal seam gas is also currently underway in the wider area.

Recommendation Lake Macquarie SCA should remain an SCA.

Exploration and mining titles apply in the reserve, which means the SCA cannot be reserved as a national park or nature reserve Reason under the NPW Act, and must remain an SCA to allow for exploration or mining, subject to environmental assessment.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 173

174 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Lawrence Road SCA

Description

Lawrence Road SCA is a 440-ha reserve located approximately 12 km north-west of the village of Lawrence and 32 km north of Grafton. It adjoins Banyabba State Forest at its northernmost point, but is largely surrounded by privately-owned land. It features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Recommendation Lawrence Road SCA should remain an SCA.

An exploration title applies in the reserve, which means the SCA cannot be reserved as a national park or nature reserve under Reason the NPW Act, and must remain an SCA to allow for exploration or mining, subject to environmental assessment.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 175

176 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Leard CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Leard CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 1176-ha reserve located approximately 17 km north of Boggabri. The SCA lies about 20 km south of Mount Kaputar National Park, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA comprises Permian-age Boggabri Volcanics, which overlie Maules Creek Coal Measures. An operating coal mine lies immediately south-east of the SCA. There is high potential for coal and coal seam gas resources in the SCA.

Recommendation Leard CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Exploration titles apply in the reserve, which means the SCA cannot be reserved as a national park or nature reserve under Reason the NPW Act, and must remain an SCA to allow for exploration or mining, subject to environmental assessment.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 177

178 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Livingstone SCA

Description

Livingstone SCA is a 603-ha reserve located approximately 31 km south of Wagga Wagga. The SCA borders Livingstone National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by Late Ordovician meta-sedimentary rocks of the Wagga Group and the Silurian Burrandara Granite. It covers an area with many old mines and occurrences of tin, tungsten, molybdenum, bismuth, gold and other metals. The mineralisation is associated with predominantly greisenous alteration driven by hydrothermal fluids from the granite. The area has been drilled by several companies, and includes tin and tungsten resources. The SCA is highly prospective for numerous minerals.

Recommendation Livingstone SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 179

180 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Macanally SCA

Description

Macanally SCA is a 2290-ha reserve located approximately 23 km north-east of Cooma. The SCA lies near several small nature reserves, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is dominated by the Ordovician meta-sedimentary rocks of the Adaminaby Group, with a small area over the Hangmans Creek Granodiorite. The wider area contains numerous mines, including the Macnallys Creek and Fiery Creek gold deposits. The wider area contains potential gold. These deposits are located along faults known to control mineralisation, including a gold mine 6 km to the north of the SCA. This suggests the potential for gold in the SCA.

Recommendation Macanally SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 181

182 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Macquarie Marshes SCA

Description

Macquarie Marches SCA is a 2392-ha reserve located approximately 80 km west of Coonamble, adjacent to Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve. The SCA features wetlands characteristic of the Darling Riverine Plains bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The Macquarie Marshes region is located in unconsolidated alluvial sediments of Cainozoic age. The area is underlain at depth by highly prospective, but as yet untested basement rocks of Ordovician and Devonian age including granites and volcanics. The basement lithologies within the Macquarie Marshes SCA itself do not appear to be as prospective as Macquarie Arc volcanic rocks elsewhere in the region. The area does not appear to be overly prospective for energy resources including coal and petroleum. The SCA is not under title and has generally low prospectivity for mineral and energy resources.

Recommendation Macquarie Marshes SCA should be reserved as an addition to Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve.

There are no exploration or mining titles, and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required. Reason

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 183

184 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Macquarie Pass SCA

Description

Macquarie Pass SCA is a 166-ha reserve located approximately 15 km south-west of Dapto. The SCA extends Macquarie Pass National Park southward towards Budderoo National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin. The surface geology comprises Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone. The area is partly covered by Illawarra Coal Measures and has been mapped as having underground potential. There is active exploration for conventional petroleum and the SCA has moderate potential.

Recommendation Macquarie Pass SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 185

186 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Majors Creek SCA

Description

Majors Creek SCA is a 706-ha reserve located approximately 15 km south of Braidwood. The SCA lies a short distance east of Monga National Park and north of Araluen Nature Reserve, and features grassy woodlands characteristic of the South East Corner bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA overlies the Braidwood Granodiorite. Although there are no know mineral deposits in the SCA, the area is almost completely surrounded by numerous metalliferous deposits and mines. Nearby deposits include the Dargues Reef and Majors Creek deposits, as well as Camages Mine, Mobbs Reef and Spencers Reef. The area has potential for intrusion-related gold and tungsten– molybdenum mineralisation and exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Majors Creek SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 187

188 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Maroomba SCA

Description

Maroomba SCA is a 1895-ha reserve located approximately 15 km south of Texas, near the Queensland border. The SCA features woodland characteristic of the Nandewar bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is located within the New England Orogen to the east of the Surat Basin and is dominated by Texas beds which include marine sedimentary sequences. A Bundarra Supersuite granite of early Permian age is located to the west of the sediments in the SCA. The area may have some potential for granite-related mineralisation or sediment-hosted silver. The area has also been lightly explored for conventional petroleum and coal seam gas. Areas to the south of the SCA are currently under title for coal and have been heavily drilled to test the Ashford Coal Measures which appear to terminate to the south of the SCA.

Recommendation Maroomba SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 189

190 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Maroota Ridge SCA

Description

Maroota Ridge SCA is 260-ha reserve located approximately 36 km west of Woy Woy. The SCA lies a short distance west of Marramarra National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by Hawkesbury Sandstone and underlying units of the Sydney Basin Sequence. The SCA is in an area with high potential for both coal seam gas and conventional petroleum. The Illawarra Coal Measures are present at depth and contain several coal seams, including the Bulli, Balgownie, Woronora and Wongawilli seams.

Recommendation Maroota Ridge SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 191

192 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Medowie SCA

Description

Medowie SCA is a 2581-ha reserve located approximately 24 km west of Nelson Bay. The SCA connects Karuah National Park and the smaller Medowie Nature Reserve, and predominantly features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

Mining titles – Group 5

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises Permian Tomago Coal Measures overlain in large part by clays and silts of Tertiary or Quaternary age with a maximum thickness of more than 20 m. A small portion of the SCA is mapped as Tomago Coal Measures (approximately 7%). The area mostly covers Maitland Group and Dalwood Group marine sequences. The area has high potential for coal seam gas and petroleum. Drilling in Fullerton confirmed coal seam gas resources on this title.

Recommendation Medowie SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 193

194 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Merriwindi CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Merriwindi CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 1730-ha reserve located approximately 60 km north-west of Coonabarabran. The SCA occurs in an area of state forest connecting Pilliga West CCA Zone 3 SCA and Timallallie CCA Zone 1 National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology of the area is dominated by Cainozoic Sandplain and recent alluvium. Underlying rocks include potential host rocks for conventional gas and coal seam gas deposits. Seismic surveys have identified suitable structures that would need to be adequately tested to establish potential. Exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Merriwindi CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 195

196 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Monga SCA

Description

Monga SCA is a 1005-ha reserve located approximately 10 km east of Braidwood. The SCA lies just west of Budawang National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) and grassy woodlands characteristic of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA consists of meta-sedimentary rocks of the Ordovician Adaminaby Group. No mineral deposits have been reported in the SCA. However, the area contains a number of significant historical gold deposits, both reef and alluvial, which indicates that the SCA has potential for gold mineralisation. Exploration in the area is ongoing.

Recommendation Monga SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 197

198 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Morton SCA

Description

Morton SCA is a 1050-ha reserve located approximately 18 km west of Nowra. The SCA lies adjacent to the larger Morton National Park, and features grassy woodlands characteristic of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area includes sedimentary rocks of the Wandrawandian Siltstone and of the Permian Shoalhaven Group, which represent some of the lower units of the Sydney Basin. In the northern part of the SCA, Permian rocks unconformably overlie sandstones, siltstones and conglomerates of the Devonian Merimbula Group. In the central part of the SCA, an incision along the north-easterly trending valley has exposed Upper Devonian volcanic rocks of the Yalwal Group that host several epithermal-style gold deposits. Several fossil placer gold deposits also occur in the area. The Yalwal Volcanics host significant gold resources 8 km south-south-west of the SCA. They are also the probable source of fossil placer gold deposits adjacent to the unconformity between Upper Devonian units and the Sydney Basin. The lower units of the Sydney Basin may hold some potential for gas and are currently being investigated.

Recommendation Morton SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 199

200 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mount Canobolas SCA

Description

Mount Canobolas SCA is a 1673-ha reserve located approximately 12 km south-west of Orange. The SCA has state forest on three sides, and features grassy woodlands characteristic of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is situated on Tertiary Basalts of the Mount Canobolas shield volcano. The basalts have been a source of construction materials and dimension stone. More significantly, there are Ordovician to Early Silurian magmatic, volcanic and volcanic-derived sedimentary rocks that collectively form part of the Macquarie Arc. These are the most prospective rocks for gold and copper in NSW. Numerous deep holes drilled through the basalt around Mount Canobolas discovered Ridgeway, the most profitable ore deposit in Australia. Despite the presence of basalt at the surface, exploration interest has been consistently high. Significant metalliferous deposits may lie in the most highly prospective rocks at depth. The SCA lies only about 7.5 km north of the Cadia Hill and Cadia–Ridgeway mines. The Cadia district is the fifth largest porphyry-related district in the world.

Recommendation Mount Canobolas SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 201

202 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mount Davies SCA

Description

Mount Davies SCA is a 340-ha reserve located approximately 40 km south of Blayney. The SCA features tall shrubland low forest and shrub/herb/grass dry forest characteristic of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Mount Davies SCA is located in Lachlan Orogen in Ordovician sandstones and shales of the Adaminaby Group which have been intruded by granites of the Wyaangala Group. Minor occurrences for placer gold are found in creeks and rivers in the general area, however the SCA is considered to have low potential for metallic mineralisation.

Recommendation Mount Davies SCA should be reserved as Mount Davies Nature Reserve.

There are no exploration or mining titles, and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required. Reason

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 203

204 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mount Hyland SCA

Description

Mount Hyland SCA is a 293-ha reserve located approximately 30 km north-west of Dorrigo. The SCA extends Mount Hyland Nature Reserve to the south, and is otherwise encompassed by state forest. It features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by greywacke, siltstone, sandstone and conglomerate of the Early Carboniferous Moombil Group. Known prospects in the surrounding area include the Days Prospect, Tyringham West and Neaves, which are related to various porphyry intrusions. This area is geologically complex and relatively poorly understood. The geology is atypical of the New England Orogen and has the potential to host significant metalliferous deposits. No exploration has occurred in the area since the last SCA review.

Recommendation Mount Hyland SCA should remain an SCA.

There are no exploration or mining titles, but the mineral values of the land have not been adequately investigated, and the Reason reserve should remain an SCA to allow for exploration, subject to environmental assessment.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 205

206 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mount Pikapene SCA

Description

Mount Pikapene SCA is a 17-ha reserve located approximately 37 km south-west of Casino. The SCA lies adjacent to Mount Pikapene National Park and State Forest, and features predominantly wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks that were deposited in the Clarence Moreton Basin. There are Walloon Coal Measure outcrops across the whole SCA. It has high potential for coal seam gas and conventional petroleum. A petroleum well that was drilled about 7 km to the north of the SCA indicated that an active petroleum system may exist in the area.

Recommendation Mount Pikapene SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 207

208 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mugii Murum-ban SCA

Description

Mugii Murum-ban SCA is a 3650-ha reserve located approximately 30 km south of Kandos adjacent to Gardens of Stone National Park. The SCA features Sydney montane dry sclerophyll forest and is located in the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

Mining title – Group 9

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The Mugii Murum-ban SCA (also known as Mt Airly) is located on the edge of the Sydney Basin in the Western Coalfield. The area comprises Illawarra Coal measures overlying Kandos Group (Silurian–Devonian) quartz-sandstones. Multiple mineral occurrences for alluvial gems and diamonds are found in the area associated with Tertiary basalts in the region. Coal resources underlie most of the area. The area has been lightly explored for petroleum and coal seam gas with future drilling expected in the general area.

Recommendation Mugii Murum-ban SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 209

210 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mullengandra SCA

Description

Mullengandra SCA is a 258-ha reserve located approximately 25 km south of Holbrook. Mullengandra Nature Reserve is situated immediately to the south-west. The SCA features Nortons Red Box–grassy forest of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Mullengandra SCA is located in the Lachlan Orogen in granites of the Wagga Batholith and sedimentary sequences of the Adaminaby Group. Several tin workings are recorded within 1.5 km of the SCA to the east and west. The eastern third is covered by an exploration licence targeting potential tungsten, tin and molybdenum mineralisation which may be present in the form of vein/stockwork deposits and porphyry and/or disseminated deposits.

Recommendation Mullengandra SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 211

212 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mullion Range SCA

Description

Mullion Range SCA is a 1,025-ha reserve located approximately 17 km north-east of Orange. The SCA lies a short distance from Girralang Nature Reserve, and features predominantly grassy woodlands characteristic of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology includes intermediate felsic volcanic rocks, tuffs, volcanic-derived sedimentary rocks and limestone of the Mullion Range Volcanics, which belong to the Silurian Mumbil Group. The Mullion Range Volcanics host several major ore deposits, including the Lewis Ponds Deposit (copper, lead, zinc, gold and silver) and the large Mt Bulga Copper Mine. There are historical gold workings in the central part of the SCA and in the vicinity of the southern part. The area is highly prospective for gold.

Recommendation Mullion Range SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 213

214 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mummel Gulf SCA

Description

Mummel Gulf SCA is a 1162-ha reserve located approximately 80 km north-west of Taree. The SCA lies within an area of state forest which connects Mummel Gulf National Park with Cottan- Bimbang National Park, and features predominantly wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation) of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 6

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area overlies marine siliciclastic rocks of Carboniferous age and Tertiary basalt (Comboyne Basalt). The area does not host identified prospects, but the Comboyne Basalt in the area is a potential source of diamonds. Improved geological knowledge suggests the region may be a potential diamond province (Tertiary basalts are the prospective source rocks). Diamonds derived from the basalts are also hosted by alluvial sediments away from the present extent of the basalt. Exploration in the area identified two exposures of bauxite. The conclusion from analysing these exposures was that potential for discovery of significant tonnages of bauxite was low.

Recommendation Mummel Gulf SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 215

216 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Mungo SCA

Description

Mungo SCA is a 5700-ha reserve located approximately 5 km to the south of Lake Mungo in Balranald local government area. The SCA features east–west dune mallee and belah rosewood of the Murray Darling Depression bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 10

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

Mungo SCA is located within coastal and beach barrier sands, which is likely to contain mineral sand deposits of rutile, zircon and ilmenite. Active exploration in the region has included drilling, most recently focusing on the Atlas and Campaspe deposits and their extensions. Drilling during 2004–07 identified the Wakool and Coliban mineral sand deposits along strike from and to the south of the Mungo SCA. The area is highly prospective and it is likely that additional mineral sand deposits will be identified within or adjacent to the SCA.

Recommendation Mungo SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 217

218 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Munmorah SCA

Description

Munmorah SCA is a 1634-ha reserve located approximately 20 km north of The Entrance. The SCA lies adjacent to Lake Macquarie SCA, and features predominantly heathland of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 4 and 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by the Narrabeen Group, which overlies the Newcastle Coal Measures. Previous coal mining has exhausted most of the coal resources in the SCA, but there is high coal seam gas potential, and exploration in the area is currently under way.

Recommendation Munmorah SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 219

220 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Murrumbidgee Valley SCA

Description

Murrumbidgee Valley SCA is a 34,579-ha reserve that includes lands from the former Yanga SCA. The SCA is located approximately 103 km west of Hay. The SCA lies adjacent to Yanga National Park and Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve, and features arid shrublands (chenopod subformation) and semi-arid woodlands (grassy subformation) of the Riverina bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by sediments of the Murray Basin and has potential for mineral sands and petroleum, but the potential is poorly tested. It lies within an area explored in 2003–04 for coal seam gas. This exploration identified an area of anomalously high gas values over a large area around Balranald, to the west and east of the Murrumbidgee River. The river behaves as a hydrodynamic barrier to groundwater flow from east to west, and this may concentrate gas on the eastern side of the river. The Geera Clay, which overlies the main gas-bearing units, provides a seal to trap the gas. The SCA also has potential for heavy mineral sands within the Loxton–Parilla Sands. A number of strandline deposits have been identified to the north and west, however drilling in 2007 and 2009 failed to locate economic strandlines. In addition, the area is underlain at depth by basement rocks of Palaeozoic age with untested potential for gold and base metal mineralisation.

Recommendation Murrumbidgee Valley SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 221

222 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Nattai SCA

Description

Nattai SCA is a 3383-ha reserve located approximately 20 km west of Camden. The SCA lies adjacent to Burragorang SCA and Nattai National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology of the area is dominated by Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone, but the Illawarra Coal Measures and sedimentary rocks of the Permian Shoalhaven Group are exposed in parts of the SCA. An underground coal resource exists in the Bulli Coal Formation.

Recommendation Nattai SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 223

224 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Nombinnie SCA

Description

Nombinnie SCA is a 46,000-ha reserve located approximately 58 km west of Lake Cargelligo. The SCA is bordered on two sides by Nombinnie Nature Reserve, and features semi-arid woodlands (shrubby subformation) of the Murray Darling Depression bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by colluvial and aeolian Quaternary sediments. These sediments are mainly thin and probably overlie felsic marine volcanic rocks and volcanic-derived sedimentary rocks of the Devonian Mount Hope Group, which belong to the Cobar Supergroup. Although mineral deposits have not been found in the area, the basement rocks are highly prospective, particularly for volcanic-hosted-style mineralisation. Rocks of the Cobar Supergroup host the nearby Mount Hope Copper Mine, the Coan Copper Mine at Mount Allen, and the Great Central base metal mines. There is improved geological knowledge of the area based on recent geophysical work by the Geological Survey of NSW.

Recommendation Nombinnie SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 225

226 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 227 228 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Nuggetty SCA

Description

Nuggetty SCA is a 1148-ha reserve located approximately 40 km north of Crookwell. The SCA features woodland of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is located in the Lachlan Orogen in complex Silurian-age geology of the Campbells Group. The highly prospective mineralised Tuena–Junction Point corridor lies to the west of the SCA and is covered by numerous exploration titles. The historic Nuggetty Gully Reef Workings and Red Flag Mine are located in the western part of the SCA. The area is prospective for gold deposits and Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide base metal deposits. Mining in the area dates back to the late 1800s with more modern exploration targeting northern extensions of the Elsienora mine 4 km to the south along the Elsieonora Fault. Drilling completed in early 2012 intersected anomalous gold, zinc and silver. The Wrens Nest Pit is located immediately to the west of the SCA.

Recommendation Nuggetty SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 229

230 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Nymboi-Binderay SCA

Description

Nymboi-Binderay SCA is a 585-ha reserve located approximately 13 km north of Dorrigo. The SCA connects Nymboi-Binderay National Park with Cascade National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) and rainforests of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of Carboniferous-aged marine sedimentary rocks of the Brooklana Beds (Coffs Harbour Group). The historically large Wild Cattle Creek gold–antimony– tungsten mine is located less than 1 km from the SCA in Brooklana Beds, and old workings on similar vein occurrences have been identified within the SCA. The area is prospective for gold– antimony deposits.

Recommendation Nymboi-Binderay SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 231

232 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Nymboida SCA

Description

Nymboida SCA is a 528-ha reserve located approximately 48 km west of Grafton. The SCA lies adjacent to Nymboida National Park and State Forest, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of a complex group of mainly marine igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Coramba Formation (Coffs Harbour Group), which are of Early Carboniferous age. The Ruby and Martine reefs, Cunglebung, Vivlans and other deposits are located within the SCA. The area contains antimony and gold resources. A major structure with an approximately north- west orientation transects the area. The structure represents a significant mineralised corridor that hosts numerous deposits that would need to be adequately tested with modern exploration methods to establish potential. No exploration has occurred since the previous review.

Recommendation Nymboida SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 233

234 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Oxley Wild Rivers SCA

Description

Oxley Wild Rivers SCA is a 1439-ha reserve located approximately 43 km south-east of Armidale. The SCA lies adjacent to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and state forest, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of a complex group of mainly marine igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Coramba Formation (Coffs Harbour Group) that are of Early Carboniferous age. These units are overlain by siliciclastic meta-sedimentary rocks of the Nambucca Beds. The eastern area includes an identified lead, zinc, silver and copper resource at Halls Peak. Mineralisation is predominantly statiform, and interpretations suggest that the mineralisation is of either sedimentary exhalative style or volcanic-hosted sulphide style. This suggests that mineralisation could be very extensive in distribution and that much of the area could include large base metal deposits. The area is prospective and exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Oxley Wild Rivers SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 235

236 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Paroo-Darling SCA

Description

Paroo-Darling SCA is a 41,521-ha reserve located approximately 42 km north-east of Wilcannia. The SCA lies adjacent to Paroo-Darling National Park, and features semi-arid woodlands and arid shrublands (chenopod subformation) of the Mulga Lands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by surficial sediments of Cainozoic age overlying sediments of the Murray Basin Sequence, which in turn overlie a thick sequence of sedimentary rocks that were deposited within the Darling Basin in a geological structure called the Pondie Range Trough. Traces of oil have been found at the surface within rocks of the adjacent Koonenbery Belt to the west. The area has high potential for petroleum.

Recommendation Paroo-Darling SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 237

238 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Parr SCA

Description

Parr SCA is a 38,121-ha reserve located approximately 48 km west of Gosford. The SCA lies adjacent to Yengo and Wollemi national parks, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin. The surface geology comprises Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone. It is also underlain at depth by the Illawarra Coal Measures, with several seams, including the Bulli, Balgownie and Wongawilli seams. Coking coals have been intercepted within the area at depths greater than 700 m below ground level. There is also high coal seam gas and conventional petroleum potential and exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Parr SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 239

240 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Pilliga CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Pilliga CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 33,386-ha reserve located approximately 55 km south-west of Narrabri. The SCA lies adjacent to a portion of Pilliga CCA Zone 1 National Park and State Forest, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology is dominated by Jurassic-age sedimentary rocks of the Kalindi Beds and Pilliga Sandstone, and recent alluvium. Underlying rocks include Black Jack Formation sediments, which are coal seam gas exploration targets. The Wilga Park gas-fired power station is nearby. Gold has been extracted from alluvial deposits in the area in the past. There is high potential for coal seam gas in the SCA.

Recommendation Pilliga CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 241

242 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Pilliga East CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Pilliga East CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 24,710-ha SCA located approximately 42 km west of Boggabri. The SCA lies adjacent to Pilliga Nature Reserve, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forest (shrubby subformation) of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology is dominated by Jurassic-age Pilliga Sandstone. Underlying rocks include Black Jack Formation sediments, which are coal seam gas exploration targets. Mineral sand deposits in the wider area along Bohena Creek are also currently being assessed. There is high potential for coal seam gas.

Recommendation Pilliga East CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 243

244 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Pilliga West CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Pilliga West CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 36,894-ha reserve located approximately 90 km north-west of Coonabarabran. The SCA lies adjacent to state forest and Pilliga West CCA Zone 1 National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation), moving into semi-arid woodlands, of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology is dominated by Cainozoic Sandplain and recent alluvium overlaying sedimentary rocks of Jurassic and Triassic age, which include potential host rocks for conventional and coal seam gas deposits. Seismic surveys have identified suitable structures. There is high potential for coal seam gas.

Recommendation Pilliga West CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 245

246 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Queens Lake SCA

Description

Queens Lake SCA is a 1,026-ha reserve located approximately 15 km south of Port Macquarie. The SCA forms a link between Queens Lake Nature Reserve and Lake Innes SCA, and features wet sclerophyll forest (shrubby subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology of Queens Lake SCA comprises Triassic sandstones and conglomerates of the Lorne Basin sequence, Siluro–Devonian metamorphic rocks, pre-Permian dolerite, serpentinite and ultramafic intrusive rocks and Quaternary alluvial sediments. Like the adjoining Lake Innes SCA, Queens Lake SCA is within an area that is highly prospective for lateritic nickel–cobalt– scandium deposits. A number of resources with potential for future development have been identified to date within the SCA and neighbouring areas. The SCA has high mineral prospectivity. There has been recent exploration in the area; however, the results are not yet available.

Recommendation Queens Lake SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 247

248 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Sugarloaf SCA

Description

Sugarloaf SCA is a 3,926-ha reserve located approximately 24 km west of Newcastle. The SCA borders state forest adjacent to Watagans National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 5, 8 and 9 and Petroleum

Mining titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by the Narrabeen Group, which overlies the Newcastle Coal Measures. Coal mining occurs in the SCA, and coal and coal seam gas exploration is underway in the north of the wider area. The wider area is highly prospective for coal and coal seam gas.

Recommendation Sugarloaf SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 249

250 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Talawahl SCA

Description

Talawahl SCA is a 136-ha reserve located approximately 11 km south of Taree. The SCA connects two areas of Talawahl Nature Reserve, and features wet sclerophyll forest (grassy subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the Coleraine Mudstone mainly comprises a variety of argillaceous sediments of the Coleraine Siltstone, which are of Permian age. Recent seismic studies conducted by DPI suggest that there is potential for petroleum within possible underthrust Sydney Basin deposits in the region. The area is currently being explored to establish petroleum potential.

Recommendation Talawahl SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 251

252 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Tallaganda SCA

Description

Tallaganda SCA is a 5285-ha reserve located approximately 17 km west of Braidwood. The SCA lies adjacent to Tallaganda National Park, and features dry and wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby and grassy subformations) of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of quartz–lithic sandstone and siltstone of the Late Silurian Palerang Formation, the Long Flat Volcanics and the Early Devonian Tarago Conglomerate (Mulwaree Group), which are intruded by Early Devonian Ballalaba Adamellite of the Glenbog Supersuite. The Long Flat Volcanics, which lie in the east of the area, are prospective, as they are of marine origin and host volcanic-hosted barite (the Little Bombay barite deposits are within the SCA) and numerous base metal deposits outside the SCA. Granitoids of the Glenbog Supersuite also host polymetallic deposits. The area is prospective for similar polymetallic deposits.

Recommendation Tallaganda SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 253

254 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Thalaba SCA

Description

Thalaba SCA is a 31-ha reserve located approximately 15 km north-east of Crookwell. The SCA features woodland of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The Thalaba SCA is located in the East Lachlan Orogen in Silurian-age volcanic and derived sedimentary rocks of the Campbells Group. Thalaba SCA has no known potential for mineral or energy resources.

Recommendation Thalaba SCA should be reserved as Thalaba Nature Reserve.

There are no exploration or mining titles, and the dual-purpose SCA category is no longer required. Reason

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 255

256 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

The Cells SCA

Description

The Cells SCA is a 4708-ha reserve located approximately 64 km north-west of Taree. The SCA lies entirely within Cottan-Bimbang National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forest (shrubby subformation) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of undifferentiated siliciclastic sediments of Late Devonian to Carboniferous age. The northern area (north of the Oxley Highway) hosts several gold–antimony prospects, including the Oakburne gold prospect. The southern areas south of the Oxley Highway contain numerous prospects, including The Cells, Kirkmans and Oxley gold–antimony deposits, which have received little modern exploration, mainly on account of the location. The area is prospective; however, there has been no exploration since the last SCA review.

Recommendation The Cells SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 257

258 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Tilligerry SCA

Description

Tilligerry SCA is a 4570-ha reserve located approximately 20 km north of Newcastle. The SCA lies close to several small nature reserves and national parks set 6–8 km back from the coast, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation), with some freshwater wetlands, of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology comprises Pleistocene barrier dune sands and Holocene alluvial sediments overlying Permian and Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin. A seismic survey undertaken in 2003 in an adjacent offshore area indicated the presence of several structures that are prospective for petroleum accumulations.

Recommendation Tilligerry SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 259

260 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Tingha Plateau CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Tingha Plateau CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 3414-ha reserve that forms part of the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area. It is located approximately 10 km south and south-east of Inverell. The SCA features dry sclerophyll forests and is located in the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1, 2 and 6

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is situated in the southern New England Orogen. It occurs wholly on the Late Permian Gilgai Granite, a fractionated I-type granite which is considered to be the source of the lode and alluvial tin deposits of the Tingha tin field and of the silver-rich polymetallic deposits to the south- west of the SCA. The SCA and surroundings are one of the most prospective areas in the New England region. This is reflected by the ongoing coverage of this area by numerous exploration and mining titles. Within the SCA itself are known occurrences and historic mines for a range of commodities including tin, bauxite and diamonds. The extent of bauxite and tin mineralisation has not been tested by modern exploration. However, recent exploration near Inverell, to the north of the SCA, identified an indicated and inferred bauxite resource. There is known mineralisation and active exploration in the area.

Recommendation Tingha Plateau CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 261

262 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Toonumbar SCA

Description

Toonumbar SCA is a 128-ha reserve located approximately 68 km north-west of Lismore. The SCA lies adjacent to Toonumbar National Park, and features rainforests of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin, overlain in the south- east by basaltic volcanic rocks of the Tertiary Lamington Volcanics. The surface geology largely comprises Woodenbong Beds and Walloon Coal Measures. The area has moderate potential for coal seam gas and low potential for conventional gas and oil. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress.

Recommendation Toonumbar SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 263

264 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Toorale SCA

Description

Toorale SCA is a 54,385-ha reserve located approximately 60 km west of Bourke, adjacent to Toorale National Park. The SCA features arid shrublands (Acacia subformation) and semi-arid woodlands (grassy subformation) of the Darling Riverine Plains and Mulga Lands bioregions.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Eromanga Basin which overlie rocks of the Thomson Orogen. Aeromagnetic survey data indicate complex magnetic anomalies are sourced below the thin layer of surface sediments (Cretaceous and Quaternary units). The trends of high magnetic intensity are basic sills (dolerite/gabbro) and flows (basalt) which are grouped into the informally named Louth Volcanics. In addition, there is a complex arrangement of east–west structures in the area known as the Mount Oxley Fault Zone which forms part of the regional tectonic suture zone between the Thomson Orogen (continuing north into Queensland) and the Lachlan Orogen (southwards past Cobar). The area is considered prospective for a range of mineralisation styles, not just volcanic-related ones. Data indicate the area may be of equivalent age to the Cobar Supergroup which has proven to be highly prospective. The area has only been lightly explored for petroleum resources; however, research indicates that the area is located within groundwater flowlines of the Bourke Spring Group and abundant methane contents may be present.

Recommendation Toorale SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 265

266 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Torrington SCA

Description

Torrington SCA is a 30,212-ha reserve located approximately 58 km north of Glen Innes. The SCA lies about 20 km from several small nature reserves, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) moving into grassy woodlands characteristic of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1 and 2

Mining title – Group 1

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The SCA is underlain by the highly prospective Mole Granite, which is associated with extensive old mines for tin, topaz, tungsten and other minerals. The SCA is highly prospective for these minerals.

Recommendation Torrington SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 267

268 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Trinkey CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Trinkey CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 10,229-ha reserve located approximately 56 km north-east of Coolah. The SCA lies 28 km east of the nearest reserve, Tinkrameanah CCA Zone 1 National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation), moving into grasslands, of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by Jurassic–Cretaceous sedimentary rocks that were deposited in the Surat Basin (part of the Great Australian Basin) and that overlie Permian–Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Gunnedah Basin. There are potential coal resources in the Maules Creek Coal Measures. The area has moderate to high potential for coal seam gas.

Recommendation Trinkey CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 269

270 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Tuggerah SCA

Description

Tuggerah SCA is a 191-ha reserve located approximately 6 km west of The Entrance. The SCA lies a short distance from Tuggerah Nature Reserve, and features forested and saline wetlands of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology of the SCA is dominated by alluvium associated with the Wyong River. Underlying the alluvium are Narrabeen Group sediments and the Newcastle Coal Measures. This SCA is in a built-up area with limited opportunities to access geological resources and may be required to access coal resources. Coal seam gas exploration is also underway in the wider area.

Recommendation Tuggerah SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 271

272 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Tumblong SCA

Description

Tumblong SCA is a 746-ha reserve located approximately 23 km west of Tumut. The SCA lies near a several reserves located north-west of Kosciuszko National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area entirely consists of Ordovician meta-sediments of the Wagga Group. These rocks host the nearby Nangus and Mount Adrah gold deposits, which are major deposits. The area has not been adequately tested.

Recommendation Tumblong SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 273

274 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Upper Nepean SCA

Description

Upper Nepean SCA is a 25,869-ha reserve located approximately 6 km east of Mittagong. The SCA lies adjacent to Bargo River SCA, forming part of a chain of reserves extending north to the Blue Mountains National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

Mining titles – Groups 2 and 9

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by rocks of the Sydney Basin. The surface geology comprises Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone, and is underlain at depth by the Illawarra Coal Measures, which contain significant coal resources in the Wongawilli and Tongarra seams. The area also has moderate to high potential for coal seam gas.

Recommendation Upper Nepean SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 275

276 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Warialda CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Warialda CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 2913-ha reserve located approximately 7 km south of Warialda. The SCA lies just north of Warialda CCA Zone 1 National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation), moving into grassy woodlands, of the Brigalow Belt South and Nandewar bioregions.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Groups 1 and 2 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The surface geology is made up of Jurassic-age Keelundi Beds and Pilliga Sandstone overlying Siluro–Devonian and Devonian to Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of the New England Orogen. Minor mafic intrusive rocks are also present. A major fault system, Peel Fault, extends in a north– south direction along the western margin of the southern area of the SCA. Magnesite, limestone and gold potential associated with the Peel Fault has not been adequately tested. Exploration for Group 1 minerals associated with the Peel Fault system is underway in the SCA. The Peel Fault system is host to many limestone, magnesite, chrome and gold deposits along its length. The area also holds potential for tin associated with the Dumboy Gragin Granite, which lies to the east. Sapphires have also been found in the area. There is potential for petroleum at depth.

Recommendation Warialda CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 277

278 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Washpool SCA

Description

Washpool SCA is a 2491-ha reserve located approximately 70 km north-east of Glen Innes. The SCA lies within and adjacent to Washpool National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation), moving into wet sclerophyll forests, of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the northern part of the SCA area consists of predominantly volcanic rocks intruded by various granitoids of Permian age which are associated with metalliferous mineralisation. The Vaughans Claim prospect is associated with several other polymetallic deposits (molybdenum, gold, zinc and other metals). The Reids and Weirs claims lie near the boundary of the southern area. They occur in undifferentiated sedimentary rocks, and mineralisation is probably related to fluids released by intrusions nearby and at depth. These prospects produced significant quantities of a range of metals. The SCA is prospective for Group 1 minerals; however, there has been no significant exploration since the last SCA review.

Recommendation Washpool SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 279

280 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Watsons Creek SCA

Description

Watsons Creek SCA is a 520-ha reserve located approximately 37 km north of Tamworth. The SCA lies adjacent to Watsons Creek National Park, and features grassy woodlands characteristic of the New England Tablelands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is dominated by the Permian Pringles Granite. Tin from the Giants Den deposit and construction sands have been produced in the SCA. Alluvial tin resources have been identified at Tin Chrome Creek, as remnant resources in Stone Dam Creek and in tailings dumps.

Recommendation Watsons Creek SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 281

282 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Werakata SCA

Description

Werakata SCA is a 2323-ha reserve located approximately 7 km south of Cessnock. The SCA lies adjacent to Werakata National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum and Group 9

Mining titles – Group 9

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area is dominated by Branxton Formation sediments, which overlie coal measures. Coal mining is currently occurring at depth in the SCA, and coal and coal seam gas exploration is continuing.

Recommendation Werakata SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 283

284 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Wereboldera SCA

Description

Wereboldera SCA is a 2263-ha reserve located approximately 4 km south of Tumut. The SCA is a short distance north-west of Kosciuszko National Park, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of quartz-rich shale, slate and siltstone of the Bumbolee Creek Formation. The Dark No. 6 and the Wereboldera No. 1 base metal prospects occur within the area. A recent exploration licence has not been renewed over the SCA; however, it is still considered to be highly prospective.

Recommendation Wereboldera SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 285

286 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Werrikimbe SCA

Description

Werrikimbe SCA is a 204-ha reserve located approximately 54 km west of Wauchope. The SCA lies adjacent to Werrikimbe National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forests (grassy and shrubby subformations) of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises meta-sedimentary siliciclastic rocks of the Myra Beds, of Silurian to Devonian age. Significantly, these rocks are intruded by a complex of leucogranite and monzogranites of the Triassic Glen Esk Suite. This suite of granitoids is known to have numerous metalliferous deposits. Recent studies suggest that the unit is especially prospective for gold and base metals. Other deposits could also be present in the host sequence, probably related to the granitoids. Exploration is limited in the wider area. The area is prospective and exploration is ongoing.

Recommendation Werrikimbe SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 287

288 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Whian Whian SCA

Description

Whian Whian SCA is a 2439-ha reserve located approximately 35 km north of Lismore. The SCA lies adjacent to Nightcap National Park; together they cover approximately 10,500 ha of the Nightcap Range on the southern rim of the caldera of the Mount Warning shield volcano. The SCA features rainforests characteristic of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by Tertiary felsic volcanics and high-level intrusives which overlie sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin sequence. There are a number of known perlite occurrences within and adjacent to the SCA, and there is potential for further discoveries. There are Walloon coals outcrops approximately 5 km away. The Tertiary volcanics potentially overlie coal sequences beneath this SCA. Nearest bore data (approximately 12 km to the west) shows upper and lower Walloon Coal Zones. The underlying Clarence Moreton Basin rocks have moderate potential for coal seam gas and high potential for conventional petroleum. Exploration for these resources is ongoing.

Recommendation Whian Whian SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 289

290 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Wollumbin SCA

Description

Wollumbin SCA is a 368-ha reserve located approximately 47 km north-west of Byron Bay. The SCA borders Wollumbin National Park and extends west towards Mebbin National Park, and features wet sclerophyll forest (shrubby subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology comprises Jurassic Walloon Coal Measures and underlying units of the Clarence Moreton Basin sequence. The SCA has low to moderate potential for coal seam gas and conventional petroleum. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress.

Recommendation Wollumbin SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 291

292 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Wombat Creek SCA

Description

Wombat Creek SCA is a 1076-ha reserve located approximately 25 km north-west of Grafton. The SCA spans almost 9 km from the northern tip of Coal Ridge Cliffs to Whiskey Stills Falls in the south, and is surrounded by private property. The SCA features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin. Surface geology comprises Jurassic–Cretaceous Kangaroo Creek Sandstone with a small area of underlying Walloon Creek Coal Measures. The area has high potential for coal seam gas and low potential for conventional gas and oil. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress.

Recommendation Wombat Creek SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 293

294 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Wondoba CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Wondoba CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 1663-ha reserve located approximately 75 km west of Tamworth. The SCA lies 33 km from the nearest reserve (Trinkey CCA Zone 3 SCA), and features grassy woodlands characteristic of the Brigalow Belt South bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 9 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the SCA is dominated by Digby and Naperby Formation sediments and minor dolerite intrusions (Glenrowan Intrusives). The Curlewis and Gunnedah collieries lie immediately to the west, and bores within the SCA show coal seams. There is active exploration and a high coal seam gas potential. There is also high conventional petroleum potential. The Kaluah pilot will be drilled 16 km north-west of this area.

Recommendation Wondoba CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 295

296 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Woodsreef CCA Zone 3 SCA

Description

Woodsreef CCA Zone 3 SCA is a 331-ha reserve that forms part of the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area. It is located about 15 km east of Barraba. The SCA features Red Stringybark and White Box forest and Spinifex woodland of the Nandewar bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The Woodsreef SCA is situated in the southern New England Orogen. It occurs on rocks of the Central Block, which locally comprise Cambrian serpentinite and Siluro–Devonian Woolomin Group. Rocks of the Woolomin Group are derived from deep oceanic rocks which include mudrocks, cherts, jaspers and basalts. The SCA includes a range of mineral deposits. The most significant are extensive alluvial gold placers, palaeoplacers and as terrace deposits. A number of hardrock gold deposits occur in the area, some of which were substantial producers in the 19th century. Other deposits include minor chromite, manganese and one copper deposit. The SCA contains known gold mineralisation and is prospective for a range of other commodities including chromite, manganese and copper. It has been the target of exploration for gold and this activity is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

Recommendation Woodsreef CCA Zone 3 SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 297

298 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Woomargama SCA

Description

Woomargama SCA is a 7120-ha reserve located approximately 30 km south east of Holbrook, adjacent to Woomargama National Park. The SCA features Nortons red box–grassy forest of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The eastern part of Woomargama SCA is located in the East Lachlan Orogen within Silurian granites and sedimentary rocks of the Ordovician Wagga Group. The western part is located in the Lachlan Orogen in granites of the Wagga Batholith and sedimentary sequences of the Adaminaby Group. The eastern part of the SCA is adjacent to the Mount Paynter Potential Resource Area identified by the Mineral Resources Branch for its known vein-hosted tin and tungsten mineralisation within granite. The prospectivity of the area is reflected by a number of historic workings (Mount Paynter Mine) in the area. Granite extends throughout the majority of Woomargama SCA. Numerous tin workings are recorded within 2 km of the western part of the SCA. Much of the western part is covered by titles targeting potential tungsten, tin and molybdenum mineralisation which may be present in the form of vein/stockwork deposits and porphyry and/or disseminated deposits.

Recommendation Woomargama SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 299

300 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Worimi SCA

Description

Worimi SCA is a 1042-ha reserve located approximately 13 km north-east of Newcastle. The SCA lies adjacent to the coastline and connects north and south with Worimi Regional Park. It features dry sclerophyll forests with predominantly shrubby subformation of the NSW North Coast bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

Mining title – Group 1

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is dominated by the Quaternary sand deposits of Stockton Bight, which is a tract of mineral sand deposits. An old mine is currently being rehabilitated in the southern part of the SCA. The SCA lies in an area subject to a major seismic survey, which indicates the presence of near- shore structures in Stockton Bight that are prospective for petroleum and are likely to be explored in the future.

Recommendation Worimi SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 301

302 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Yanununbeyan SCA

Description

Yanununbeyan SCA is a 3824-ha reserve located approximately 26 km south-east of Queanbeyan. The SCA lies adjacent to Yanununbeyan National Park and extends towards Tinderry Nature Reserve, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) and grassy woodlands characteristic of the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the eastern part of the SCA is dominated by Ordovician meta-sedimentary rocks of the Adaminaby Group, and the western part overlies the Kohinoor Volcanics of the Siluro– Devonian Hoskinstown Group. The volcanogenic sequence of rocks is prospective because the rocks host deposits in other areas and include marine volcanic rocks that are prospective for volcanic-hosted mineralisation (gold, base metals) and limestone. The polymetallic (base metal) San José prospect and the Horseshoe copper prospect are located in the area. A recent exploration title has not been renewed over the SCA.

Recommendation Yanununbeyan SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 303

304 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Yarringully SCA

Description

Yarringully SCA is a 354-ha reserve located approximately 13 km west of Woodburn. The SCA lies adjacent to Yarringully Nature Reserve, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation), moving into forested wetlands, of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of Clarence Moreton Basin. The surface geology comprises Jurassic–Cretaceous Kangaroo Creek Sandstone and underlying Walloon Creek Coal Measures. The area has high potential for coal seam gas and moderate to low potential for conventional gas and oil. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress.

Recommendation Yarringully SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 305

306 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Yerranderie SCA

Description

Yerranderie SCA is a 12,192-ha reserve located approximately 40 km west of Camden. The SCA is enclosed by the Nattai and Blue Mountains National Parks, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass subformation) of the Sydney Basin bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration titles – Group 1 and Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area comprises felsic volcanic rocks and associated intrusive and sedimentary rocks of the Devonian Bindook Volcanic Complex, with sedimentary rocks of the Shoalhaven Group (part of the Sydney Basin Sequence) in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the SCA. The Bindook Volcanic Complex hosts the Yerranderie base metal–silver–gold deposits, which had significant production in the past. Most of the known occurrences lie to the immediate north-east of the SCA, but there are six occurrences within the adjoining part of the SCA. There is also a barite occurrence within the Bindook Volcanic Complex at Jooriland in the southern part of the SCA.

Recommendation Yerranderie SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 307

308 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Yurammie SCA

Description

Yurammie SCA is a 221-ha reserve located approximately 10 km west of Merimbula. The SCA lies adjacent to South East Forests National Park, and features predominantly dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby subformation) of the South East Corner bioregion.

Existing titles

No exploration titles

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The geology of the area consists of Yurammie and Kameruka Granodiorites of the Kameruka Supersuite and silicic sandstones of the Merimbula Group, all of which are Devonian in age. This is a highly prospective area for epithermal gold and silver mineralisation and has a known gold resource in the area. A recent exploration title has not been renewed over the SCA.

Recommendation Yurammie SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 309

310 Second Review of State Conservation Areas

Yuraygir SCA

Description

Yuraygir SCA is a 3150-ha reserve approximately 28 km south-east of Grafton. The SCA lies adjacent to Yuraygir National Park to the east and a chain of state forests to the north-west, and features dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby and shrub/grass subformations) of the South Eastern Queensland bioregion.

Existing titles

Exploration title – Petroleum

No mining titles

Geology and evidence of mineral values

The area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Clarence Moreton Basin. The surface geology comprises Grafton Formation and Kangaroo Creek Sandstone. The SCA overlies Walloon Coal Measures. The area has high potential for coal seam gas and conventional gas and oil. Most of the Clarence Moreton Basin is currently covered by petroleum exploration titles, and exploration for both conventional petroleum and coal seam gas is in progress.

Recommendation Yuraygir SCA should remain an SCA.

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 311

312 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Appendix A: Exploration and mining titles

The following types of exploration and mining titles are granted in NSW:

Exploration Licence (for coal and minerals) (EL): · Granted for durations of between 1 and 5 years · Area defined by graticular block system based on latitude and longitude, excluding national parks etc. (minerals except coal) · Area defined by surveyed boundaries (coal) · Required to conduct activities to improve understanding of geology and resource potential · Required to negotiate access agreement with landowner before conducting activities · Required to gain approval for significant ground-disturbing activities · Required to gain approval for any activities in environmentally sensitive and exempt areas (e.g. SCAs)

Mining Lease (for coal and minerals) (ML): · Required to gain Development Consent (DC) before grant of ML · Granted for up to 21 years · Required to meet mine production and employment conditions · Required to negotiate compensation agreement with landowner before conducting activities · Required to meet DC conditions and comply with approved Mining Operations and Rehabilitation Plans

Mineral Claim (for minerals): · Granted over small areas (maximum 24 ha) · Require DC for mining activities (except in Mineral Claims Districts – e.g. Lightning Ridge) · Permit exploration and small-scale mining · Similar conditions to ML

Petroleum Special Prospecting Authority (PSPA): · Granted for 1 year only · Allows only minimal ground-disturbing activities · Used to investigate areas worthy of further exploration as PEL

Petroleum Exploration Licence (for oil and gas, including coal seam gas) (PEL): · Granted for between 1 and 6 years · Required to conduct activities to improve understanding of geology and resource potential · Required to negotiate access agreement with landowner before conducting activities · Required to gain approval for significant ground-disturbing activities · Required to gain approval for any activities in environmentally sensitive and exempt areas (e.g. SCAs) · Require Part 3A approval under EP&A Act for seismic surveys and wells in certain LGAs

Petroleum Production Lease (PPL): · Required to gain DC before grant of ML · Granted for up to 21 years · Required to meet production and employment conditions · Required to negotiate access agreement with landowner before conducting activities · Required to meet DC conditions and comply with approved Petroleum Production Operations and Rehabilitation Plans

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 313 Appendix B: Mineral groups

For administration of exploration licences and mining leases in NSW, minerals are split into 11 groups, as shown in the table below.

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 10 (Metallic minerals) (Non-metallic (Semi-precious stones) (Mineral sands) antimony minerals) agate ilmenite arsenic agricultural lime chalcedony leucoxene bismuth apatite jade monazite cadmium asbestos nephrite rutile caesium barite quartz crystal chromite bauxite rhodonite zircon cobalt beryllium minerals tourmaline columbium borates turquoise copper calcite galena chert Group 4 Group 11 germanium chlorite (Marine aggregate) (Uranium) gold cryolite marine aggregate thorium indium diatomite uranium iron minerals dimension stone lead dolomite Group 5 lithium emerald (Clay minerals) manganese emery bentonite (including mercury feldspathic materials Fuller’s earth) molybdenite fluorite clay/shale nickel garnet kaolin niobium graphite structural clay platinum group gypsum minerals halite (including solar Group 6 platinum salt) (Corundum, diamond, rare earth minerals limestone ruby and sapphire) rubidium magnesite corundum scandium and its magnesium salts diamond ores marble ruby selenium mica sapphire silver mineral pigments sulphur olivine tantalum ores of silicon Group 7 (Opal) thorium peat Opal tin perlite tungsten and its ores phosphates Group 8 vanadium potassium minerals (Geothermal substances) zinc potassium salts geothermal substances zirconia pyrophyllite quartzite Group 9 reef quartz (Coal and oil shale) serpentine coal sillimanite-group oil shale minerals sodium salts staurolite strontium minerals talc topaz vermiculite wollastonite zeolites

314 Second Review of State Conservation Areas Index of State Conservation Areas

Abercrombie River SCA, 15 Currys Gap SCA, 111 Adelyne CCA Zone 3 SCA, 17 Dharawal SCA, 113 Avondale SCA, 19 Durridgere CCA Zone 3 SCA, 115 Balowra SCA, 21 Everlasting Swamp SCA, 117 Banyabba SCA, 23 Fladbury SCA, 119 Bargo River SCA, 25 Frogs Hole SCA, 121 Bargo SCA, 27 Gandangara SCA, 123 Barrakee SCA, 29 Garawarra SCA, 125 Barrington Tops SCA, 31 Gir-um-bit SCA, 127 Barwon SCA, 33 Glenrock SCA, 129 Bedooba SCA, 35 Goodiman CCA Zone 3 SCA, 131 Belmount SCA, 37 Goonoo CCA Zone 3 SCA, 133 Beni CCA Zone 3 SCA, 39 Goonoowigal CCA Zone 3 SCA, 135 Bents Basin SCA, 41 Gumbaynggirr SCA, 137 Berlang SCA, 43 Gundabooka SCA, 139 Biddon CCA Zone 3 SCA, 45 Gurranang SCA, 141 Bindarri SCA, 47 Guy Fawkes River SCA, 143 Bingara CCA Zone 3 SCA, 49 Gwydir River CCA Zone 3 SCA, 145 Black Bulga SCA, 51 Gwydir Wetlands SCA, 147 Bobbiwaa CCA Zone 3 SCA, 53 Illawarra Escarpment SCA, 149 Boonanghi SCA, 55 Jackywalbin SCA, 151 Brigalow SCA, 57 Jilliby SCA, 153 Brindabella SCA, 59 Karuah SCA, 155 Bulahdelah SCA, 61 Keverstone SCA, 157 Bullawa Creek CCA Zone 3 SCA, 63 Killarney CCA Zone 3 SCA, 159 Bundjalung SCA, 65 Kooyong SCA, 161 Bungawalbin SCA, 67 Kumbatine SCA, 163 Bungonia SCA, 69 Kybeyan SCA, 165 Burragorang SCA, 71 Lachlan Valley SCA, 167 Butterleaf SCA, 73 Lake Innes SCA, 171 Camerons Gorge SCA, 75 Lake Macquarie SCA, 173 Cape Byron SCA, 77 Lawrence Road SCA, 175 Carrai SCA, 79 Leard CCA Zone 3 SCA, 177 Cascade SCA, 81 Livingstone SCA, 179 Cataract SCA, 83 Macanally SCA, 181 Chaelundi SCA, 85 Macquarie Marshes SCA, 183 Chambigne SCA, 87 Macquarie Pass SCA, 185 Chatsworth Hill SCA, 89 Majors Creek SCA, 187 Cobbora CCA Zone 3 SCA, 91 Maroomba SCA, 189 Columbey SCA, 93 Maroota Ridge SCA, 191 Colymea SCA, 95 Medowie SCA, 193 Combaning SCA, 97 Merriwindi CCA Zone 3 SCA, 195 Coneac SCA, 99 Monga SCA, 197 Cooleburba SCA, 101 Morton SCA, 199 Copeland Tops SCA, 103 Mount Canobolas SCA, 201 Corymbia SCA, 105 Mount Davies SCA, 203 Cottan-Bimbang SCA, 107 Mount Hyland SCA, 205 Curracabundi SCA, 109 Mount Pikapene SCA, 207

Second Review of State Conservation Areas 315 Mugii Murum-ban SCA, 209 Upper Nepean SCA, 275 Mullengandra SCA, 211 Warialda CCA Zone 3 SCA, 277 Mullion Range SCA, 213 Washpool SCA, 279 Mummel Gulf SCA, 215 Watsons Creek SCA, 281 Mungo SCA, 217 Werakata SCA, 283 Munmorah SCA, 219 Wereboldera SCA, 285 Murrumbidgee Valley SCA, 221 Werrikimbe SCA, 287 Nattai SCA, 223 Whian Whian SCA, 289 Nombinnie SCA, 225 Wollumbin SCA, 291 Nuggetty SCA, 229 Wombat Creek SCA, 293 Nymboi-Binderay SCA, 231 Wondoba CCA Zone 3 SCA, 295 Nymboida SCA, 233 Woodsreef CCA Zone 3 SCA, 297 Oxley Wild Rivers SCA, 235 Woomargama SCA, 299 Paroo-Darling SCA, 237 Worimi SCA, 301 Parr SCA, 239 Yanununbeyan SCA, 303 Pilliga CCA Zone 3 SCA, 241 Yarringully SCA, 305 Pilliga East CCA Zone 3 SCA, 243 Yerranderie SCA, 307 Pilliga West CCA Zone 3 SCA, 245 Yurammie SCA, 309 Queens Lake SCA, 247 Yuraygir SCA, 311 Sugarloaf SCA, 249 Talawahl SCA, 251 Tallaganda SCA, 253 Thalaba SCA, 255 The Cells SCA, 257 Tilligerry SCA, 259 Tingha Plateau CCA Zone 3 SCA, 261 Toonumbar SCA, 263 Toorale SCA, 265 Torrington SCA, 267 Trinkey CCA Zone 3 SCA, 269 Tuggerah SCA, 271 Tumblong SCA, 273

316 Second Review of State Conservation Areas