The NSW Government is proposing to create the State's latest national park by granting over 3,800 hectares of Sydney's Berowra Valley Regional Park national park status, in recognition of the region's environmental and cultural significance.
Environment Minister Robyn Parker said she was confident legislation would pass for the creation of a new national park, elevating the area's status and protecting its biodiversity and cultural heritage in perpetuity.
"This will be done while ensuring the community maintains access to areas for recreational activities," Ms Parker said.
"Berowra Valley Regional Park is one of those very special places within the Sydney Basin landscape that is well known for its incredible natural beauty and cultural heritage importance. It also contributes significantly to the local community's quality of living and is well used and well loved by a variety of people for a range of different purposes."
"Berowra Valley is a great example of how we can guarantee high quality environmental outcomes hand-in-hand with the provision of quality recreational opportunities. In fact, Berowra Valley boasts one of the longest and unique walking tracks in metropolitan Sydney, with options to camp overnight along the way."
Ms Parker said the NSW Government recognises the need to maintain and provide for existing recreational activities, including dog walking in the area. "We have very carefully excluded well used dog walking tracks from the proposed gazettal to ensure locals have access to previous areas without compromising national park environmental protections," Ms Parker said.
"The Government also continues to explore new opportunities for people to be out and about in national parks - and in this region - including the assessment of new mountain biking tracks."
The MP for Hornsby, Matt Kean, said he strongly supported the Bill, pointing out there were many families within the Hornsby community who will welcome and applaud the move.
"I was pleased to see this Bill introduced to Parliament because it shows this Government continues to listen to its constituents and is taking action on things that are important to local communities," Mr Kean said.
"Berowra Valley has high quality habitats that support over 230 vertebrate fauna species, including 12 threatened species such as the spotted quoll, giant burrowing frog and powerful owl.
"What's more, the inclusion of Berowra Valley into the National Park system means the Government has formed a string of river land national parks that run from the mountains to the sea."
Ms Parker said Hornsby Shire Council had provided invaluable support and effort in caring for the area for many years and council's role would remain critical in the future.
"Council has managed the Crosslands Reserve area of the Park since 1921. This represents a magnificent commitment to both the protection of the environment and to the residents of Hornsby Shire and others who visit for enjoyment and pleasure. Council has shown leadership in providing and maintaining a range of visitor facilities in this area, such as picnicking, barbeques, bushwalking, camping, fishing, canoeing, bike riding and nature observation."
"I would also like to recognise the many resident groups and individuals who have played their part, particularly The Friends of Berowra Valley Regional Park and the Hornsby Conservation Society. These organisations have worked for many years to ensure this area receives the level of protection the NSW Government is now proposing."
