The state holiday parks body taking over Killalea State Park has refuted claims the park could be “sold off”, vowing any future changes would involve thorough consultation with the community.
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“The Farm” will come under care of the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust from November 1, replacing the local management body.
It joins 35 other inland and coastal parks under the umbrella.
Shellharbour Mayor and former Killalea State Park Trust board member Marianne Saliba last week voiced concerns over future development of the site, though Trust CEO Steve Edmonds said the community should not be worried.
“This landscape is pristine and it’s got to be protected. If there is anything that has to be done here into the future the landscape [and] the presence of the place has to totally dominate whatever’s there,” he told the Illawarra Mercury.
“I think previous attempts at commercialisation didn’t respect that.
“We’re just going through the process of getting some urban designers on board and very highly skilled architects and anything we do will go through [a public consultation] process.”
Nathan Cattell has managed the Killalea State Park since 2013, working for National Parks for over a decade prior, and is passionate about preserving the environment for community use.
Mr Cattell said he and his team have been “kept in the loop” throughout the long process and is excited to have more support financially and for employee development.
“The benefits far outweigh any negative,” he said.
“The existing infrastructure is way outdated and under-maintained, the only way is up I believe.”
He said Shellharbour residents rely on the area to be their own “backyard” while visitors to the area help invest in the local economy.
This landscape is pristine and it’s got to be protected ... I think previous attempts at commercial-isation didn’t respect that.
- Steve Edmonds
Chairwoman of the trust Wendy Machin said she wanted the community to be reassured their body would be “up front” if and when any changes or improvements would happen.
“… and listen and understand before making any decisions about anything,” Mr Edmonds added.
“What we’ve found in our holiday parks if there’s a million dollar turnover there’s $1.29 million spent in the community each year.”
Meantime, after fielding calls from many concerned brides-to-be, Mr Cattell noted the change in management would not impede on any wedding ceremonies coming up.