WHILE support grows for a World Heritage listing for the Royal National Park, one of its main attractions is in urgent need of an upgrade.
The Coast Track showed signs of a lack of adequate maintenance for several years, said bushwalker Peter Ewers, of Illawong.
NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker did not dispute his concerns when raised by Menai MP Melanie Gibbons.
"I agree with Mr Ewers that the Royal Coast Track, which showcases the rugged beauty of the Royal National Park coastline, has the potential to be a truly iconic recreational destination for locals and visitors to Sydney," Ms Parker stated in a reply two months ago.
"To this end, I wish to confirm that the NSW government is currently investigating capital works and opportunities to improve the Royal Coast Track."
Mr Ewers told the Leader that while he fully supported the World Heritage listing moves, upgrading the coast track was a more immediate need.
"It would be embarrassing if World Heritage listing was in any way threatened by a lack of funding for the park," he said.
"Neglect of the Coast Track for three to five years is starting to damage the environment. Because the track is eroding, people are trying to find alternative routes and this impacts on the bush."
Do you think repairs to the track should be high priority?
