Changes to Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo national parks are expected to strengthen tourism and improve visitor facilities across the Tenterfield region while supporting Western Bundjalung cultural heritage.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe’s adoption of an amendment to the parks’ Plan of Management.
Saffin said the amended plan recognises the Western Bundjalung People as native title holders, incorporates the existing 2018 Western Bundjalung Indigenous Land Use Agreement and progresses aspirations for managing Country.
The changes are also designed to accommodate increased visitation while protecting the natural and cultural values that make the parks important attractions for the region.
Visitor improvements include upgrades to the Cypress Pine campground and the Bald Rock picnic area and campground.
A cabin in Boonoo Boonoo National Park will also be made available for short-term visitor accommodation, adding another option for people staying and exploring the region.
The plan permits cycling bridges to be constructed where management trails are submerged at creek crossings, reducing creekbank erosion and sedimentation while improving access for visitors.
Future walking tracks may also be developed where they are consistent with protecting the parks’ natural and cultural values.
Western Bundjalung cultural interpretation will be incorporated into the parks with the approval of native title holders, while commercial tour operators delivering Aboriginal cultural heritage material will need their endorsement.
The amended plan was informed by public submissions and seeks to balance increased visitation with the ongoing protection of the parks’ natural and cultural heritage.
The amended Plan of Management will be available through the NSW Environment Department website.
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