Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk project

A master plan is a non-statutory document that outlines a vision to guide how an area may change over time. It is important to note that draft master plans are conceptual.

These draft master plans were prepared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in collaboration with specialist master planners, and have been informed by geotechnical, engineering and environmental assessments, and stakeholder collaboration. All proposals are subject to further technical assessments, environmental and cultural planning approvals and detailed design work.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking community input to refine our vision in advance of the detailed design and final approval stages.

A plan of management is a legal document under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 that provides information on important park values and outlines the strategic management direction for parks. Once a plan is adopted, all operations and activities in the park must be in line with the plan. Master plans are non-statutory, subsidiary plans that detail the key proposal concepts for new and improved visitor facilities.

You can have your say on the draft plan of management for the parks.

Draft plan of management public consultation

The draft master plans will be available for public comment for 60 days and will be finalised once community and stakeholder feedback has been considered.

The master plans may be adjusted to meet issues raised during the exhibition, environmental and cultural assessment outcomes and local design issues, and must still meet the requirements of the adopted plan of management for the parks.

A submissions summary will be provided to advise the public of the outcomes of the consultation on the draft master plans. The final master plans will be displayed online and at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

The Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks are recognised and protected for their outstanding biodiversity and cultural significance. All visitor infrastructure improvements in the parks are subject to independent environmental and Aboriginal heritage assessments.

A comprehensive environmental impact assessment process called a review of environmental factors is underway. The review aims to determine the overall impact of the project and to ensure that the proposals do not have impacts that will affect the integrity of the parks' conservation objectives. This includes consideration under the relevant Commonwealth and state legislation in light of the parks' world, national and state heritage listings.

Once completed, the review will be placed on public exhibition to enable public feedback on the potential impacts of the project and any conditions imposed. The current draft concept plans and planned walk alignment are subject to change or strict conditions to mitigate any potential impacts on natural and cultural values.

• Environmental and cultural assessment is underway.
• The review of environmental factors will be placed on public exhibition when complete.
• Construction will commence in 2024, pending approvals.

We will continue to update you on the project's progress. Anyone not yet registered to receive project updates can do so on the project webpage.

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