Some of the state’s leading conservationists, ecologists and former national parks managers are “imploring” Premier Gladys Berejiklian to “set aside disastrous plans” to significantly increase commercial development of Kosciuszko National Park.
The almost 50 signatories to an open letter published in the Sydney Morning Herald this morning are urging the Premier to halt or significantly amend the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct Masterplan, which would:
- Increase on-park accommodation by 60%;
- Allow the clearing of wildlife habitat for car parking;
- Allow helicopters to fly to and from on-park resorts; and
- Allow commercial vehicles on walking tracks.
“We are dismayed by the unprecedented plans your government has announced for Kosciuszko National Park,” the letter says.
“These radical plans are entirely out of keeping with Kosciuszko’s status as a national park and national heritage-listed place.
“The park is under severe stress from climate change, mega-fires, feral pests, the loss of habitat for infrastructure projects and the continuing effects of historic damage from mining, grazing, the Snowy Mountains Scheme and resorts.
“We implore you to set aside these disastrous plans. In particular, all additional accommodation should be constructed outside Kosciuszko National Park, where it would create regional economic benefits without damaging the environmental values of the Park.”
If the government refuses to withdraw the changes, signatories want the NSW Government to extend the Masterplan pubic consultation period by 60 days.
BACKGROUND
- Government web pages on the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct Masterplan and the proposed amendments to the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management.
- NSW National Parks Association campaign page.
TIMELINE
| 2021 | June 28 – Public Exhibition of Draft Amendment to the Plan of Management: Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct |
| July 13 – Webinar presentation on National Parks Association on Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct. | |
| August 23 – Exhibition period closes. | |
| 2022 | Q1 – Master Plan finalised |