The Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre proposal
The Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre is a proposed interpretation and education centre that will connect visitors to Gumbaynggirr Country and the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage. Construction includes a single-storey building and an elevated platform on the site of the existing Dorrigo Rainforest Centre in Dorrigo National Park.
The draft review of environmental factors
The draft review of environmental factors assesses the environmental and cultural impacts of building and operating the new Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre. The review is a requirement under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It examines the likely environmental impacts of the proposal and details measures to mitigate adverse impacts to natural, cultural and social values.
The proposed centre includes:
- a new car park with bus drop off, parking for 2 coaches, charging points, entry road upgrades and landscaping
- a single-storey visitor centre including interpretation space, retail and staff areas, amenities and briefing space for Dorrigo Escarpment great walk
- an arrival forecourt to the southwest and Pademelon lawn nature play and picnic area to the south
- a Gumbaynggirr courtyard and group gathering space to the east
- an Arc elevated walkway with elevated ramp to Wonga walk
- the demolition of the existing rainforest centre and skywalk lookout.
The review concludes that construction of the Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre would have minor negative impacts on the local environment and some parts of the community. During operation, there would be negligible environmental and community impacts. Impacts have been avoided and/or minimised wherever possible through design and site-specific safeguards.
The draft master plan provides further detail about the location and concept design of the proposed Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre.
Your feedback is important
The public exhibition of the review of environmental factors is your chance to suggest improvements to the proposal. Your feedback helps the determining authority to decide whether an activity should be approved and assists in the development of appropriate conditions should approval be given.
What happens next?
We will gather and consider the submissions received during the public exhibition of the draft review of environmental factors. We will then decide whether the proposal should proceed as proposed or be modified. If the proposal proceeds, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will publish the final review of environmental factors and its decision statement, and keep the community informed about the project's delivery.
The project will also be referred to the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to assess the level of impacts to National and World Heritage and threatened species.
Have your say
Public exhibition is from 16 May to 16 June 2025.
Please read the review and associated reports. We invite you to make a submission if you have additional information, spot any errors, or have comments about potential environmental impacts or recommended mitigation measures.
The most effective submissions clearly and concisely explain the specific matters they raise, with references to the relevant sections of the document.
Printed copies of the documents and maps are available to be viewed on request at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, 142 Dome Road, Dorrigo.
Submissions may be lodged by:
- the online form below
- email to [email protected]
- post to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Project Team, Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk, PO Box 170, Dorrigo NSW 2453.
Written submissions must be received by the advertised closing date.
Your submission on the review of environmental factors will be provided to Eco Logical Australia and relevant advisory bodies.
The information you provide in this form will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected. For information on how we will treat any personal information you provide, see the department's privacy and security page.