Vertical slot, Ben Bullen  (Gary Hayes)

Make a submission on the Gardens of Stone Draft Plan of Management today

The draft plan of management put forward in May 2022 is short on detail. The accompanying draft Master Plan for visitor management creates a parallel process that has no legal force. We need your help to ensure that the Gardens of Stone achieves its potential and that its values are not desecrated.

Write a submission on the draft Plan of Management today to the following address:
The Manager, Planning and Assessment
NPWS
Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124
or by email: npws.parkplanning@environment.nsw.gov.au

The Gardens of Stone SCA draft plan of management

Submissions are due by 5 July 2022

You can see the draft Master Plan and Plan of Management here

What you can say:

It is important to use your own words in your submission. Below are some dot points you can consider and adapt. Make sure you thank the NSW government for protecting the Gardens of Stone

Support

• A revised and re-exhibited draft Plan of Management that defines the location and extent of proposed visitor facilities and access, and sets out criteria to ensure this work is done in a sustainable manner
• Nature-focused basic facilities like campgrounds, walking tracks, carparks and lookouts built on already disturbed land and accessed by good 2WD roads that everyone can use
• Restoration of pine forest area with endemic native species
• Environmental rehabilitation of heritage values as key part of reserve management
• Restriction of all vehicles to approved park roads
• Walking tracks with overnight camps set out to help inexperienced walkers improve their bush skills
• Relocation of the adventure hub proposed for the spectacular Lost City to the State Mine Gully and Museum area

• Creating a parallel planning process for the reserve in a masterplan which has no legal force
• Allowing additional approved access routes for vehicles, horse and bike riders through private consultations with the groups who want it
• Tourism growth as a reserve management objective because management that restores, protects and presents the reserve’s outstanding heritage values will attract visitors
• Carbon storage “investments” (planting) that do not restore natural woodlands

There are several other ways you can help us protect The Gardens of Stone:

• Join our mailing list to be kept up to date with campaign progress
• Make a donation to help support 'The Gardens of Stone'
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
• Visit the Gardens of Stone (click here to purchase a map)
• Join the Blue Mountains Conservation Society to help to conserve our precious, local environment