The Government Gazette dated 26 April 1879 provides for the dedication of Crown Land for the purpose of a National Park in accordance with section 5 of the *Crown Lands Alienation Act of 1861* (NSW). The land dedicated to the National Park encompasses the following area: Parishes of Sutherland, Heathcote and Bulgo and the whole of Crown Lands within the Parish of Wattamolla, county of Cumberland (18,000 acres).

James Hoskins, 'National Park', New South Wales Government Gazette (26 April 1879).

From 1879, laws set aside areas of land as National Parks. They did not include provisions for the involvement of Aboriginal people in their management.  In recent decades, laws and policies have introduced mechanisms that facilitate Aboriginal people’s ownership and co-management of some National Parks.

National Parks

Laws and policies creating and regulating conservation areas have both impeded and facilitated Aboriginal hunting, fishing and gathering.

Conservation Areas

Law protecting marine areas have historically excluded Aboriginal people from managing NSW Sea Country. From 1997 there has been some gradual recognition in law of Aboriginal connections and rights in the management of marine parks in NSW.

Document

James Hoskins, 'National Park', New South Wales Government Gazette (26 April 1879).

National Parks

Conservation Areas

Marine Parks in NSW