The determining authorities have now approved the Light to Light Walk review of environmental factors, and a copy of the final report is now available. A copy of the submissions report, which summarises public consultation, is also available for download. Some personal information has been redacted to protect privacy.
Public consultation on the draft review of environmental factors provided an important opportunity for the community to have a say in relation to this activity proposed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
We received 142 submissions during the exhibition period (15 September – 15 October 2021) from a range of stakeholders and community groups for consideration. Thank you to those who provided comments and feedback on the review of environmental factors.
Beowa National Park was formerly known as Ben Boyd National Park when the review of environmental factors and associated documents were prepared. It may still be referred to as such in those documents.
What is being proposed?
The Light to Light Walk project proposes upgrading and realigning sections of the current track, constructing new sections of walking track, and providing hut and lighthouse-style accommodation and walk-in camping options for walkers in Beowa National Park.
The upgraded Light to Light Walk will allow visitors to undertake an immersive nature-based multi-day walk experience that highlights the many special characteristics of the NSW Far South Coast, including remoteness, coastal connection and cultural heritage.
The walk upgrade is designed to increase visitor appreciation and engagement with the conservation values of the park, while protecting park values and reducing environmental impacts.
The project involves a range of works that are subject to funding. Works include:
- construction and realignment of new walking tracks, reinstatement of tracks damaged by bushfire, and closure and revegetation of sections of track no longer required
- construction of new hut accommodation and associated visitor facilities at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay
- upgrade works to precinct parking at Pulpit Rock
- formalisation of existing camping facilities at Mowarry Point.
National Parks and Wildlife Service and specialist track designers have undertaken an extensive investigation of design and alignment, with further advice sought from environmental specialists and the Aboriginal community to determine the track route. This track alignment was selected to maximise the visitor experience and minimise environmental, Aboriginal cultural and historic heritage impacts, including avoiding impacts on sensitive heath communities and Aboriginal heritage sites.
The track will predominantly consist of a natural surface offering an easy-moderate level walking track consistent with the track condition before the 2020 bushfire.
Two sites have been identified as appropriate for hut accommodation at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay. The accommodation design and development will be in keeping with park values for sustainability, visual amenity and environmental and conservation values.
