Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails: Public consultation

Public exhibition of the proposed plan amendment provides an important opportunity for members of the community to have a say in the future management of Whian Whian State Conservation Area and the parks and reserves of the Tweed Caldera.

What is a plan of management?

Parks and reserves established under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 need to have a plan of management. The plan includes information on important park values and provides directions for future management. The plan of management is a legal document, and after the plan is adopted all operations and activities in the park must be in line with the plan. From time to time plans of management are amended to support changes to park management.

Why is the plan being amended now?

The current plans of management were approved in 2004 (Tweed Caldera Parks and Reserves) and 2010 (Whian Whian State Conservation Area) and are being amended to enable development of a multi-day walking track network, and supporting visitor facilities, linking Mount Jerusalem National Park with Nightcap National Park and Whian Whian State Conservation Area. This is consistent with the NSW Government's commitment to upgrading iconic walking tracks and parks across New South Wales. The amendments also acknowledge the declaration of an Aboriginal Place on Wollumbin Mountain in 2014 and the incorporation of Mount Warning National Park in Wollumbin National Park in 2006.

A master plan is also being developed to provide detailed information on the multi-day walking track route and associated visitor facility improvements, including Wollumbin National Park. The masterplan will be publicly exhibited and, when finalised, will guide preparation of required environmental impact, cultural heritage, safety, social, financial and engineering assessments.

What opportunities will the community have to comment?

The Tweed Caldera Parks and Reserves and Whian Whian State Conservation Area Proposed Amendment to Plans of Management: Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails is on public exhibition until 11 March 2019 and anyone can review the plan and provide comments.

When will the amended plan of management be finalised?

At the end of the public exhibition period in March 2019, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will comprehensively review all submissions, prepare a submissions report and make any necessary changes to the proposed amendment. The North Coast Regional Advisory Committee and the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council will then review the amendment along with the submissions and report, as required by the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

Once their input has been considered and any further changes made to the amendment, NPWS will provide the plan amendment to the Minister for the Environment. The plan of management amendment is finalised when the Minister formally adopts the amendment under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Once a plan is amended it is published on the NPWS website and a public notice is advertised in the NSW Government Gazette.

How can I get more information about the proposed amendment to the plan?

For further information on the proposed amendment please contact the NPWS Park Management Planning Team at npws.parkplanning@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Where can I see a printed copy of the proposed amendment to the plan?

Hard copies are available for viewing at the following locations:

• National Parks and Wildlife Service Byron Bay Office, Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay, NSW 2481
• National Parks and Wildlife Service Alstonville Office, 7 Northcott Street, Alstonville, NSW 2477
• National Parks and Wildlife Service Murwillumbah Office, 135 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484
• Nimbin Visitor Information Centre, 3/46 Cullen Street, Nimbin, NSW 2480
• Lismore Visitors Information Centre, 207 Molesworth St, Lismore, NSW 2480
• Office of Environment and Heritage OEH Customer Centre, Level 14, 59-61 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000

How can I comment on the proposed amendment?

Public exhibition for the proposed amendment is from 25 January 2019 until 11 March 2019. You are invited to comment on the proposed amendment by sending a written submission during this time.

Your submission is part of the process of making this proposed amendment final. At the close of the public exhibition period, we consider all submissions and prepare a submissions report. Note that multiple submissions received by the same author will be counted as a single submission.

While all submissions count, they are most effective when we understand your ideas and the outcomes you want for park management. Some suggestions to help you write your submission are:

• Write clearly and be specific about the issues that are of concern to you.
• Note which part or section of the plan your comments relate to.
• Give reasoning in support of your points – this helps avoid misinterpretation and makes it easier for us to consider your ideas.
• If you agree or support a part or idea in the plan, please tell us.
• If you disagree, please tell us specifically what you disagree with and why you disagree.
• It is very helpful to suggest solutions or alternatives to managing the issue if you can.

Your privacy

Your submission will be provided to a number of statutory advisory bodies as outlined above. Your comments on the proposed amendment may include personal information. OEH complies with the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, which regulates the collection, storage, quality, use and disclosure of personal information. For details see OEH and your privacy. Information that in some way identifies you may be gathered when you use our website or send us an email.

Should an access application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 be received that requests access to your submission, your views about the release will be sought if you have indicated that you object to it being made public.