THE National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has addressed all councils in the footprint of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
Its key message is how access will be maintained and improved for most current users.
City of Coffs Harbour councillor Tony Judge said the most notable aspect of the presentation was “their willingness to be flexible to accommodate and encourage recreational use of the Park”.
“It was totally opposite to the message some local leaders have been giving to our community, about us being locked out.”
Cr Judge said that, for example, mountain bikers will be welcome and the NPWS is looking for opportunities to build new tracks in a variety of locations.
Trail bikes, 4WDs and horses will be permitted as long as regulations are adhered to, while the NPWS is seeking to expand camping opportunities.
Current users, such as archery and pistol clubs, will be accommodated wherever possible.
“The main message I took away from the briefing was that NPWS wants more people to be able to use and enjoy the forests in the GKNP,” Cr Judge said.
“Through the different types of classification of parks that the National Parks Act allows, they may even be able to accommodate existing activities such as dog walking in some areas.”
Cr Judge said most of the commentary about the GKNP has rightly focused on the environmental benefits, but that it is also useful to consider what it means for the local visitor economy.
He pointed out that there will be a direct investment of $60m from the State Government, on top of the $80m already allocated to the GKNP.
The NPWS will invest heavily in visitor infrastructure, which could include campgrounds, walking tracks, mountain bike trails and wildlife and koala care facilities.
There will be 100 additional positions in the NPWS, of which at least 15 percent will be Indigenous staff.
The NSW Government has also set aside $6m to develop business opportunities.
Indirectly, according to Cr Judge, there will be partnerships with local businesses to develop those opportunities.
A strong investment in marketing the GKNP, will bring the economic benefit of visitors wanting authentic experiences in nature.
“Seeing a koala would be the cherry on top, but anyone who has seen the ‘Whispers of Wilderness’ film will know that there’s so much more to experience in our forests.
“The word will spread about the GKNP. It will open up new opportunities for us.
“We just need a change of approach from some local leaders to embrace it and help us achieve the benefits.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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