Thursday, 30 July 2020.
STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has welcomed legislative amendments which will enable the development of improved walking tracks and other visitor infrastructure in parks and reserves in the Byron-Tweed hinterland.
Ms Saffin thanked NSW Minister for Environment Matt Kean for consulting her and keeping her advised of the amendments, particularly as the parks and reserves of the Tweed Caldera sit predominantly within her Electorate of Lismore.
Minister Kean has adopted amendments to the Whian Whian State Conservation Area and the Parks and Reserves of the Tweed Caldera plans of management under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Ms Saffin said that for the Tweed Caldera, this incorporated Border Ranges, Goonengerry, Mebbin, Mount Jerusalem, Wollumbin and Nightcap national parks, and Limpinwood, Numinbah and Snows Gully nature reserves.
“The new ecotourism infrastructure will be funded under the Regional Growth: Environment and Tourism Fund and will improve park recreation opportunities,” Ms Saffin said.
“I welcome this funding because I have previously lobbied Minister Keen on the need for more accessible walking tracks with quality interpretive signage.
“Minister Kean has advised me that although some parts of Mount Jerusalem and Nightcap national parks were burnt in last year’s bushfires, the proposed walks and key visitor nodes were largely unaffected.
“I agree with Matt that implementation of the project will help with post-bushfire recovery of the area by providing a new visitor experience, creating local employment opportunities and supporting growth in the visitor economy.”
Ms Saffin said amendments to the plans of management enable the development and implementation of master plans that will provide detailed information on multi-day walking track route – Minyon Falls day-use area, Unicorn Falls day-use area and camping area, and visitor facilities in Wollumbin National Park.
The amendments also recognise the declaration of Wollumbin Aboriginal Place and the incorporation of Mount Warning National Park into Wollumbin National Park in 2006.
The amendments are available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications-search/tweed-byron-hinterland-trails-amendments-to-plans-of-mangaement.
