'Killalea can pay its way'
Kelly says park has been getting free ride for too long
By SARAH ALLELY
LANDS Minister Tony Kelly says it is time Killalea earned its keep, and the State Government will use the millions raised from a lease to developers to also fund other parks.
However, the trust responsible for negotiating to lease three parcels of land for a tourism development insists the funds will stay at Killalea.
After Mr Kelly signed an agreement to lease, or development agreement, yesterday with Mariner development director Anthony Moeller, he told the Mercury Killalea had survived on the "lion's share" of a state park funding pool.
"They've been draining money from the Public Reserves Management Fund for 20 years and not putting a cent in," Mr Kelly said.
"It may mean that not as much has to come back to Killalea in the future."
The 250ha pristine reserve on 8km of coastline between Shellharbour and Kiama boasts legendary surf beaches, The Farm and Mystics.
The only state park with free entry will be the first to be developed by a private company for profit, prompting much community criticism.
Killalea State Park Trust said the 52-year lease would fund maintenance and infrastructure such as roads and car parks.
A development application will be submitted to either Shellharbour City Council or the State Government, but Planning Minister Frank Sartor will sign off on the deal.
Mr Kelly said the trust would be in a better position to ask for more money from the pool, but would still only get a portion of funds raised from the lease.
Trust deputy chair Mark Luchetti agreed the money could go into the consolidated fund or the Public Reserves Management Fund, but said the trust had signed a document committing the funds to Killalea.
"It is our view, our strong understanding, that the money generated by the lease arrangement would remain with the trust for the benefit of Killalea," Mr Luchetti said.
The large crowd at the signing included Tourism Minister and Kiama MP Matt Brown, Department of Lands Director General Warwick Watkins, Shellharbour MP Lylea McMahon, Shellharbour Mayor David Hamilton and Deputy Mayor Michele Greig, trust members and a noisy group of protesters.
Illawarra Mercury - 1 May 2007
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