THE state government will spend more than $2 million over the next three years upgrading the Coast Track in the Royal National Park.
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Environment Minister Robyn Parker’s announcement follows complaints the track is barely navigable in parts and camping facilities are inadequate.
A spokesman said the project would include the protection and preservation of adjacent Aboriginal sites, improvements for campers and facilities, including remote area toilets and camping platforms, upgrade works on selected parts of the track, and environmental restoration works on degraded sections.
A major upgrade of signage would be completed this year, he said.
Ms Parker said the Coast Track and the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk, which passes through Sydney Harbour National Park, would share funding of $2.5 million.
Her spokesman said more than $2 million would be allocated to the track, with ‘‘final costs to be determined, dependent on the extent of the upgrade’’.
Ms Parker announced the funding while launching the Great Walks program ‘‘to help make NSW the No. 1, top-of-mind walking destination for domestic and international visitors alike’’.
She said both the Coast Track and Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk ‘‘perfectly capture the beauty and pleasure of bushwalking in NSW, offering spectacular scenery, wildlife encounters and an outdoor experience right on Sydney’s doorstep.’’
She invited the community to name their favourite park walk, with a chance to win prizes.
Details: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/greatwalks
BUSHWALKER HAS DOUBTS
ILLAWONG bushwalker Peter Ewers said the funding was ‘‘a step forward’’ but is concerned it might not be enough.
The Leader reported in October last year that Mr Ewers received an encouraging response from Environment Minister Robyn Parker after he expressed concerns about the state of the Coast Track.
Mr Ewers said this week that more details might be given at a meeting on May 1 between National Parks and Wildlife Service and Friends of the Royal.
He questioned how much of
the $2 million would be spent
on consultants and planning.
‘‘A sum of $2 million over three years does not seem to be enough when there are several camping areas that are closed due to inoperable facilities, such as remote environmental toilets,’’ he said.
Mr Ewers said work had started on protecting Aboriginal carvings at Jibbon Point.
He agreed upgraded camping options and new signage were priorities, and nominated 13 kilometres of track between Jibbon Point and Wattamolla as most urgently in need of work.
What do you think of the condition of the track?