There have been renewed calls for funding to help ensure Mt Keira is the "gem in the crown of Wollongong tourism".
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Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park claims Mt Keira has again been "ignored" in the 2019/20 state budget, with funding needed for improvements to walking tracks and visitor infrastructure.
Mr Park said despite a recent announcement by the government to allocate $25.2 million to improve walking tracks and visitor facilities in national parks across NSW, the dilapidated tracks around Mt Keira have been overlooked.
He said improvements are needed to upgrade walking tracks to improve safety, and boost nature-based tourism.
"Mt Keira should be the gem in the crown of Wollongong tourism, but instead it is largely ignored," he said.
"Being this close to Sydney, it's an opportunity to attract more tourists and visitors to our region, by providing them with a walking trail that is safe, accessible and able to navigate them across the escarpment in such a beautiful area."
Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said he was "delighted to say the NSW Government has already funded restoration works to the Mount Keira Ring Track, which will be re-opened later this year".
"Ryan Park is clearly not across the detail, which helps to explain why he's been dumped as Shadow Treasurer," he said.
The NSW Government says access to the state's national parks, including the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, will be improved as part of the $149.5 million investment over four years from 2019-20.
In the lead-up to the recent state election, Labor had pledged $5 million for upgrades at Mt Keira.
Graham Burgess, president of the Illawarra Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW was disappointed with the lack of dedicated funding boost for not just Mt Keira, but the entire Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.
"It's not only about walking tracks," he said.
"There are many challenges facing the reserves in our region such as feral animal and weed control programs, policing of illegal activities and keeping the public safe, all of which could well do with more resources."
Mr Burgess said the NPA has been advocating for better maintenance of the existing walking tracks and other infrastructure in the Illawarra.
"We would like to see more work done in areas suffering from erosion and other damage, along with an upgrade of track signage to incorporate the modern design of signs with detailed maps, information and imagery of the type we see in other places.
"We would also welcome additional funding to bring to completion the National Parks and Wildlife Service's master-plan for tracks in our region. The Sublime Point track upgrade a few years ago was part of this, but there is more to do."
Mr Burgess said there had been occasional funding, such as for the Mount Keira Ring Track, but only "targeted funding just for single items of infrastructure".