Lake Innes Nature Reserve, Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes State Conservation Area draft plan of management

A draft plan of management has been prepared for Lake Innes Nature Reserve, Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes State Conservation Area. Public exhibition of the draft plan provides members of the community with the opportunity to have a say in the management direction for these parks.

Lake Innes Nature Reserve, Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes State Conservation Area are located on the NSW Mid North Coast. Located on the traditional lands of the Birpai people, these parks conserve important natural ecosystems, cultural heritage, and community values.

Plan of management explained

A plan of management includes information on important park values and provides directions for future management. Once the plan is adopted, no management operations can be undertaken in the parks unless they are consistent with the plan. 

Reasons for a new plan

A new plan of management is being prepared for Innes Nature Reserve to update objectives and strategies in the current plan for this park which was adopted in 1999. 

Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes Conservation Area do not yet have a plan of management. The incorporation of these parks into the plan of management will satisfy the requirement under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 for these parks to have a plan of management.

Finalisation of the plan

At the close of the public exhibition period, the National Parks and Wildlife Service will provide the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and the North Coast Regional Advisory Committee with the plan and submissions. The council and committee may then provide advice to the Minister for the Environment.

The Minister considers the draft, submissions and advice provided, makes any necessary changes and decides whether to adopt the plan under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Once a plan is adopted, it is published on the department's website and key stakeholders, including those who made a submission on the draft plan, are notified.

Have your say

You can make a submission on the draft plan from 28 November 2025 to 5:00pm 18 February 2026.

You can provide your written submission in any of the following ways:

• Use the online submission form below.
• Email your submission to  [email protected].
• Post your submission to –
  Manager, NPWS Planning and Assessment
  Locked Bag 5022
  Parramatta NSW 2124.

Our response to your submission will be based on the merits of the ideas and issues you raise rather than how many submissions make similar points. Submissions are most effective when we understand your ideas and the outcomes you want for park management. 

Some suggestions to help you write your submissions are:

• write clearly and be specific about the issues that concern you
• note which part or section of the document your comments relate to
• give reasoning that supports your points – this makes it easier for us to understand and consider your ideas
• tell us exactly what you agree or disagree with and explain why
• if you can, suggest solutions or other ways to manage the issue.