The strong community campaign to save Killalea State Park from development has won the day, with the NSW Government deciding to make it part of the National Parks estate.
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Environment Minister and Treasurer Matt Kean said the Government had agreed to requests from the Save Killalea movement and will shift control from Crown Lands to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
He said Killalea would become a Regional Park which would better protect its diverse ecosystems.
"Killalea is an area of incredible ecological and cultural importance and a space that is much loved by locals attracting about 30,000 visitors a month," Mr Kean said.
"As a Regional Park, Killalea will continue to be treasured, while at the same time its plants, animals, birds and threatened species will be protected for future generations."
A furious community campaign has been waged this year since plans were revealed for Reflections Holiday Parks, which manages the park for Crown Lands, to develop and expand tourism facilities there.
Members of the Save Killalea Alliance met with Mr Kean and Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey in July to discuss the move.
Killalea is an area of incredible ecological and cultural importance
- Matt Kean
On Friday Ms Pavey said dedication of Killalea Regional Park would "ensure this spectacular coastal location remains a pristine spot"
She said Reflections "welcome the outcome for it to come under the care of the National Parks and Wildlife Service".
A paddle-out of 682 surfers was held alongside large protests on land in May. The Farm beach at Killalea is a National Surfing Reserve.
Mr Kean said Member for Kiama Gareth Ward had pushed for the benefits of protecting Killalea.
Mr Ward said the community would "breathe a sigh of relief".
"I'm really pleased to have been able to co-ordinate Minister Pavey and convince her to make this decision, and also to convince Minister Kean, as the Minister for the Environment, to accept another asset into the National Parks portfolio," he said.
"What this does is preserve this property in perpetuity.
"This is a beautiful piece of public open space. I've always been committed to fighting to protect, and this is the view of the local community."
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