The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is calling for feedback on two draft plans to undertake major revitalisation works at one of Sydney’s most loved destinations, the Royal National Park.
Branch Director of Greater Sydney for NPWS, Deon van Rensburg said the plans, Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park, Garawarra State Conservation Area Draft Planning Consideration and Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area Draft Mountain Biking Plan, mapped out how the Park would be protected and showcased as one of the nation’s most important natural areas.
“With around six million visits per year Royal National Park is one of Australia’s most popular parks,” Mr van Rensburg said.
“It is also on Australia’s National Heritage List as a place of outstanding significance to the nation,” he said.
“Royal National Park together with nearby Heathcote National Park and Garrawarra State Conservation Area, protect one of the most biodiverse areas in Australia, supporting more than 1,000 plant and 350 animal species, including some of the most significant vegetation remaining in the Sydney Basin.”
Mr van Rensburg said management priorities included freshwater wetlands, heathlands, rainforest, shorelines and grassy woodlands that supported the Parks’ rich animal biodiversity.
“The Plan will guide the future management and protection of the natural and cultural values, while providing opportunities for people of all ages, cultures and abilities to enjoy these much-loved places,” he said.
“This includes improvements and restoration at popular visitor precincts including upgrades to the historic 82-year-old Audley Boatshed, providing undercover space for picnics and a new open pavilion so that visitors can continue to enjoy the beautiful Port Hacking River.”
Mr van Rensburg said new amenities such as better picnic areas, access improvements and a new walking track to the beach were proposed for Wattamolla, another popular visitor precinct.
He said the Royal Parks Mountain Biking Plan would help manage sustainable mountain biking in the Park.
He said people could have a say on the Draft Plans until 2 August.
NPWS’s 92-page conservation planning considerations Draft Plan, including information on how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link and its 26-page mountain biking Draft Plan at this link.
