Your Say
Development can fund Killalea's upkeep
It has been interesting observing the hue and cry that has erupted over the proposed tourism development at Killalea State Park.
While it is laudable to wish to protect our green areas, there has to be a balance.
The first issue that should be put to rest is the concern that has been raised about the wonderful surfing spot known as "The Farm".
There is no way that any development on the land will impact upon the surf break. So let's move on from that furphy.
The next issue is to consider what is happening with the land that makes up Killalea State Park. A review of previous annual reports of the Killalea Trust reveals:
The total area of the park is 260ha;
The NSW Government has to date only provided $250,000 per year towards the maintenance and operation of this huge area;
The Government has indicated that this funding is coming to an end;
The Government has indicated to the trust that it must be innovative and entrepreneurial in finding ways to fund the necessary infrastructure to continue to operate this area as a state park;
Killalea is the only state park in NSW that does not charge a gate fee - it could not do that because until the camping ground was completed, it had no infrastructure for which to impose a charge;
When the trust attempted to introduce a gate fee several years ago, the community objected and the fee was abandoned - effectively crippling the ninth NSW state park in its development;
About 10 years ago, the financial operation of this park was bordering on insolvency, and was forced to borrow $150,000 from the Government, a debt still outstanding.
Those on the trust board are all volunteers. Anyone who has taken an interest in the board's actions would be well aware that its members have not embarked upon a scorched earth policy, but rather, have sought with great care and dedication to establish a facility which will enable the park to be financially self- sufficient, and to locate that facility sensitively. After all, the area affected by the development application is only 6 per cent of the total park.
It may be unfortunate and regrettable that the state is not able to provide sufficient funding out of the public purse to establish state parks and then maintain them as necessary. But that sad fact is the reality, funding is needed for the park to survive and be properly maintained.
Whilst this development may cause some people difficulties, perhaps those loudly voicing their objections should bear in mind that it is a far better alternative than the Government being forced into a situation where it can't maintain the area as a state park at all and sells the whole area as a development site, resulting in a massive windfall for the Government.
Mark McDonald, Wollongong.
Illawarra Mercury - 4 May 2007
Return to "Killalea Media Index" Page - A list of all media articles found relating to Killalea State Park with links to the articles.
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