Why we all need to help preserve Killalea
Killalea State Park is rich in heritage from its Aboriginal custodians to its use as farmland and recreational activities resulting in it being recognised on 6th June 2009 by the then NSW State Government as a National Surfing Reserve acknowledging it as an iconic site of cultural and historic significance in Australian surfing.
The Aboriginal custodians of the Illawarra area are the Elders of the Elouera, Korewal & Jerrungarugh tribes. Killalea park has several significant aboriginal cultural sites including middens, quarries and women’s birthing trees. These sites require ongoing protection from further environmental and human impact.
The park is a magical coastal reserve with vegetation communities including Banksia scrub/ woodland, Westringia closed heath and sub-tropical rainforest. The park is also home to several endangered plant communities including remnant dry subtropical rainforest, littoral rainforest and small patches of the Melaleuca armillaris dominant Tall Shrubland. These plant communities exist in highly fragmented patches, but they are home to several endangered species.
What is Happening
The NSW Government has transferred Management of the Killalea State Park to the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager Board with appointed Directors effectively sidelining the democratically elected representatives.
My concerns are many and you may agree with some or all however there is sufficient concerned raised by the local community that this change is not in the best interest of the Park or the original intentions of the donors and therefore should be reversed.
Development required or financial motivated
- There has been no information supplied that would in anyway indicate that additional development is required in the Shellharbour / Kiama area for tourist accommodation. At the moment accommodation for Tourists is supplied by Private investment and Local Government and it would be best for taxpayers if the growth is left with private investment and State funding be allocated to more critical issues.
- Unnecessary new development is a waste of resources and increases environmental issues particularly if the existing infrastructure can accommodate growth
- Many are concerned, and I am one, that the intention of Government is to create an asset they can then privatise for profit
- Development in such a pristine environment should be a last resort.
Development on a State Reserve
- I am mystified that this State Body needs to do the development on Killalea State Park when its own website states that “many Reflections Holiday Parks are also close to, or adjoining some of our most pristine reserves”. My concern is that the development will take place and then the State Park will be divided to allow separate entitlement to the developed land
Local V's State or Global Economy
- Again Reflections website acknowledges that they “are an important part of local and regional communities and economies” which is contrary to these actions. The Kiama & Shellharbour Tourism market is dominated by infrastructure in the hands of either private individuals or local Council ensuring money earned remains to strengthen our Local Economy. This proposal would see a good chunk of the financial support transferred to the State coffers in the interim and to a National or lost to a Global economy in the event of privatisation. The State Government has form that when decisions are to made regarding Acquisitions or Sales that Price is the determining factor with no regard for the benefit of spending within your market.
NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager Board
- The current makeup of the Board does not suggest there is equal consideration for the conservation, cultural heritage and community expectation of a State Park and this is re-enforced by their lack of consultation in this process.
The NSW Government website includes the following reference to Native Title
” Native title is the name Australian law gives to the traditional ownership of land and waters that have always belonged to Aboriginal people according to their traditions, laws and customs. The Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (NT Act) sets out how native title rights are to be recognised and protected.Granting tenure may affect native title interests in Crown land. Potential native title rights and interests must be identified and resolved before proceeding with any proposed tenure”
According to my sources this has been ignored
Along similar lines the following link is to an open letter to the Australian Prime Minister from 248 concerned scientist who have looked into Australia’s unique native species and ecosystems.
Open Letter to the Prime Minister
A time to Act
As mentioned previously you may agree with some or all of what I am saying. In the end there are enough concerns within the community for the alarm bells to be ringing and I cannot sit by and do nothing – What about you?
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Sign the Petition on-line or you can wait for a new Petition to be prepared following the outcome of the meeting November 3rd at 11am
On-line Petition