A draft plan of management has been prepared for Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park.
Public exhibition of the draft plan provided members of the community with the opportunity to have a say in the management direction for the park. Opportunities to comment closed 18 July 2025.
Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is between Scotts Head and Nambucca Heads on the north coast of New South Wales. The Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management (the Board of Management) is responsible for the care, control and management of the park.
Aspirations of Gumbaynggirr people have been central to this draft plan's preparation. It outlines pathways, partnerships and priority actions to achieve a shared vision for the park.
The draft plan also sets out how traditional Gumbaynggirr lore, ecological knowledge and cultural practices will support the care of Country.
What is a plan of management?
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 park unless they are consistent with the plan.
Why is a plan being prepared?
Parks and reserves established under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 are required to have a plan of management. This plan will be the first plan of management for Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park.
When will the plan be finalised?
At the close of the public exhibition period, we provide the North Coast Regional Advisory Committee with the plan and the submissions. The committee may then provide advice to the board of management and the Minister for the Environment.
The Minister considers the plan, the submissions, and the advice for the regional advisory committee, makes any necessary changes, and decides whether to adopt the plan under the Act. 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.