Amendments to Kosciuszko National Park plan of management on display
Media release: 13 August 2008
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has released for public comment amendments to the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management 2006.
The main amendment will require some leaseholders to be part of a geotechnical management plan.
"Most lodges will not be affected and for those that are affected, it may be as simple as maintaining a drainage structure or inspecting a natural feature regularly," said NPWS Resorts Manager Andrew Harrigan.
"But it is an important precaution for us to do geotechnical assessments on all relevant lodges."
"NPWS has a comprehensive geotechnical monitoring and risk management regime in Kosciuszko National Park. These amendments to the plan add to this framework."
"We have already been doing geotechnical assessments of areas in Charlotte Pass, Mt Selwyn and Perisher Range Resorts."
"In the case of Perisher Range Resorts, some of our assets, mainly roads, are in areas where further work will be done."
"There are also some areas near lodges and other assets that will require further monitoring or engineering works. All of these sites are within the previously identified G-Zone mapping areas. "
"NPWS is working with stakeholders and developing a plan to manage the identified sites across the Perisher Range Resorts this year."
"At present a geotechnical assessment occurs when development consent is sought or when someone is selling a property and approval from NPWS was required to transfer the lease or sublease."
"It's an important precaution to make sure that we expand this process by doing geotechnical assessments on all relevant lodges."
He said one of the other main amendments clarified the exact location of a proposed snowmaking reservoir at Perisher Valley.
"The proposed location of the snowmaking reservoir was always on the northern rim of the Smiggin Holes ski bowl."
"The particular site was selected because it is a relatively accessible area where a reservoir could be constructed without conflicting significantly with other resort activities and with less environmental concerns than other potential sites."
Another two amendments clarify the roles and responsibilities of NPWS and other government departments with respect to certain development activities in the resort areas of the park.
Specifically they relate to applications for water management and extractions in the park and how NPWS will refer its comments to the Department of Planning and the Department of Water and Energy.
The amendments encourage water conservation, recycling and re-use in the resort areas.
"Everyone is invited to comment on the proposed amendments. Submissions should be in writing and be as detailed and specific as possible."
The amendments to the plan of management will be on display for 90 days at the NPWS offices of Jindabyne, Perisher Valley, Queanbeyan and Hurstville. Submissions should be forwarded to Manager, Environmental Services Unit, NPWS, PO Box 2228, Jindabyne, NSW 2627 by the closing date of 17 November 2008
Contact: Roger Bell