THE NSW Government is believed to have snapped up the historic Hunthawang Station, in the Riverina.
The 20,000ha station, on the Lachlan River, 30km northeast of Hillston, was not publicly for sale but The Weekly Times understands the property has been sold to the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.
Hunthawang had been held by Sydney-based TA Field Estates for almost 90 years.
A NSW Department of Environment spokeswoman said she was unable to comment "at this stage".
TA Field Estates managing director Michael Field also declined to comment.
However, speculation of a parks and wildlife purchase is rife in the Riverina. One source told The Weekly Times locals feared the Government had purchased the property.
"It was sold without water or any improvements, so I'd be very surprised if (the) Parks and Wildlife (Service) didn't buy it," the source said.
"If it's true, it's another nail in the coffin for Australian agriculture.
"(It) employs lots of people and has a lot of stock ... but if my suspicions are proven to be correct and NSW Parks has purchased it, it will just cut agriculture production here."
It is believed Hunthawang staff have received notice that their employment would be terminated as of the end of October.
In recent years, the NSW Government had purchased a number of western Riverina properties to convert into national parks, including the 20,000ha Oolambeyan Station, at Carrathool, Yanga Station at Balranald, the 6500ha Booligal Station, at Booligal, and Mulawa, Darcoola and Norwood stations west of Hay.
An official announcement on the sale of Hunthawang is expected this week.
