Yaegl Country, Pillar Valley NSW 

Banyula, located in the Clarence Valley of northern NSW, comprises 466 hectares of predominantly dry sclerophyll forest with some patches of wet sclerophyll forest, wetlands and swamp forest, with small pockets of rainforest.  Despite historical logging and grazing, much of the area retains old growth trees with habitat hollows that support numerous listed threatened species. 

Under the stewardship of the O’Brien’s, Banyula aims to preserve and enhance its natural values. This commitment includes acquiring and managing high conservation-value properties, securing ongoing funding, and establishing legal protections for perpetual conservation management.  

The overarching vision is to create a fully protected conservation area that serves as a model for biodiversity conservation and inspires community engagement. The mission focuses on facilitating scientific research, community education, and broader biodiversity goals.  

Rewilding Nature 

To further local threatened species recovery efforts, we have partnered with the Odonata Foundation to establish a 70-hectare predator-free area (PFA) on Banyula which forms part of the South-East Australia Sanctuary Owners Network (SEASON). By protecting and monitoring threatened species inside the enclosure, their populations can naturally increase and serve to become part of a network of ‘insurance populations’. As such, when populations are assessed as robust and external conditions are favourable, individuals can be released into the wild, contributing to the rewilding of nature and supporting ecosystem restoration. 

We are also proud to be working with the NSW State Government through the Save Our Species (SoS) program to safeguard the last remaining population of coastal emus. This collaborative effort focuses on habitat protection, population monitoring, and ensuring long-term survival strategies for this unique and endangered bird.

Connecting Community with Nature 

By fostering partnerships and promoting environmental education, we create opportunities for hands-on research, conservation efforts, and a deeper understanding of the natural world, enriching the community's relationship with the environment. We built an asset that provides a space for everyone to study, learn, and fully immerse themselves in nature.   

We welcome collaboration with the local community, government agencies, indigenous groups, environmental organisations, schools, universities, researchers and more.  

A Proud Member of Land for Wildlife and Wildlife Land Trusts 

Banyula Conservation Reserve is honoured to be part of the Land for Wildlife and Wildlife Land Trusts programs, both of which play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing our conservation efforts. Through these memberships, Banyula Conservation Reserve is better equipped to achieve our mission of conserving biodiversity, providing educational opportunities, and fostering community engagement in nature conservation. The support and resources from these programs enhance our ability to protect and nurture the unique ecosystems and species that call Banyula home.