ANOTHER big western Riverina property is to become a national park.

Sources say Thelangerin Station, northwest of Hay, has been bought by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service prior to auction for more than $5 million.

NSW NPWS senior public affairs officer Jacki Roberts would not comment, but The Weekly Times understands the department paid above market value for the property.

It joins other notable Riverina properties, Oolambeyan, Yanga, Hunthawang, Booligal Station, Mulawa, Norwood and Darcoola as properties bought by NPWS and declared conservation areas.

Thelangerin adjoins Booligal, Mulawa, Norwood and Darcoola.

Thelangerin was advertised for sale in 2010 for $220/ha, or $4.5 million-$4.6 million, but it did not sell.

A second marketing campaign culminated in NPWS making its successful offer before auction on Friday.

A local source, who wished to remain anonymous, said an increase in birdlife did not compensate the community for the loss of a productive property that no longer generated rates for the shire, employment for jackaroos and cash flow for other local businesses.

Selling agent Jeff Shand of Ray White Rural confirmed the property was sold prior to auction.