Ms Keneally visited the site with members of the Save Killalea Alliance, who have been protesting against a proposal to develop a resort in the park since 2007, when Lands Minister Tony Kelly signed a 52-year lease with Killalea Coastal Investments.

Ms Keneally listened to concerns of the Save Killalea Alliance as she was guided around the park.

"It's absolutely gorgeous," she said.

"This is a beautiful spot and I can understand why the community holds it dear and wants to preserve the open space and recreational aspect, and the recreational opportunities that this park provides to the local community."

Ms Keneally said the visit was of great value to her in assessing the development proposal.

"Even a short amount of time at a site gives me more understanding of the proposal and how it fits within a certain location. A short amount of time on a site visit is worth hours of looking at photos and maps and reading briefs."

Ms Keneally sought to ease fears that the application to build 106 accommodation lodges would not be conducted in a transparent manner and promised an "efficient, robust and thorough assessment".

"We will assess it on its merits and we will arrive at a determination but we will only do that having worked through a thorough process of community consultation," she said.

Susan Bunting, from the Save Killalea Alliance, said the meeting with Ms Keneally was a step in the right direction.