In September 2021 we established the Light to Light Walk Stakeholder Reference Group to ensure the views of the local community are considered in developing the Light to Light Walk.
The group includes the following local representatives:
- Bega Valley Bushwalkers (Inc)
- Bega Valley Shire Council
- DPI Fisheries – Far South Coast Fisheries Office – Eden
- Destination Southern NSW
- Eden Business Chamber of Commerce
- Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Far South Coast National Parks Association (NPA)
- Merimbula Business Chamber of Commerce
- NSW Port Authority
- Sapphire Coast Boardriders
- Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing
- Thaua Country Aboriginal Corporation
The group held their first meeting in late September 2021 and will continue to meet National Parks and Wildlife Service throughout the planning and construction phases of the project. The next meeting is scheduled for early December 2021. The group's function includes providing input and advice to us on environmental, cultural assessments, stakeholder engagement and visitor experience.
Update on the Review of Environmental Factors
The draft Review of Environmental Factors for the Light to Light Walk was on public exhibition from 15 September to 15 October 2021. Thank you to those who provided comments and feedback on the proposal. We received over 130 submissions from a range of stakeholders and community groups.
The key themes raised in submissions were:
- concerns over building hard roof hut accommodation within the park
- walking track route alignment
- concerns over the adverse impacts on the environment and special features of the park
- commercial use of the walk and its associated accommodation.
We are currently reviewing all the submissions in detail and preparing a submissions report for the determining authority for consideration. A submissions summary report will also be made available on the project website and stakeholders notified.
If you have not already registered to receive these updates you can do so on the project webpage.