VISITORS to some of the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley’s most popular national parks could benefit from improved facilities and infrastructure under a new $130 million funding commitment announced in the NSW Budget.
The NSW Government says the funding will be used to upgrade and maintain national park infrastructure across the state, including walking tracks, campgrounds, picnic areas, visitor amenities, lookouts, roads and visitor centres.
For residents of the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley, the investment could support visitor experiences at popular destinations including Dorrigo National Park, Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve and Gumbaynggirr National Park, as well as other parks and reserves that attract locals and visitors throughout the year.
The funding will also be directed towards repairing and strengthening infrastructure damaged by floods, storms and landslips, an issue that has affected many communities across the Mid North Coast in recent years.
According to the government, NSW’s network of around 900 national parks and reserves recorded more than 65 million visits during the past year, highlighting the growing popularity of nature-based recreation and affordable outdoor holidays.
National parks play an important role in the local visitor economy, bringing tourists to the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley and supporting accommodation providers, cafes, tour operators and other small businesses.
The government says the investment forms part of a broader strategy to improve visitor experiences while protecting natural assets and supporting regional tourism growth.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the funding would help ensure parks remained safe, accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
“NSW national parks are booming and it’s easy to see why. They are some of the most beautiful, accessible and affordable places for families to spend time together,” Ms Sharpe said.
She said the investment would help deliver the facilities visitors want while ensuring parks remain attractive destinations for future generations.
While specific Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley projects have not yet been announced as part of the funding package, local communities, park users and tourism operators will be watching closely to see whether popular destinations receive a share of the investment.
By Sis HIGGINS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
