Killalea Regional Park was transferred to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in July 2022. Here's a quick snapshot of what's happened since the last update in November 2022.
The Farm toilet and car park redevelopment
The toilet at the Farm car park has now been replaced with an accessible toilet that will be safer for the environment and provide greater service to the public. The previous toilet was found to be structurally unsafe and at risk of impacting the surroundings. A contractor has commenced improving the landscaping around the car park. This includes replacing the wooden bollards and revegetation with local native species, with the work to be completed by June 2023.
Planning for the future
A Community Reference Group was established to provide advice to National Parks and Wildlife Service for the development of the draft plan of management for Killalea Regional Park. The plan provides long-term planning for the park's future. The Community Reference Group has a wide representation of interests, including Aboriginal culture and community, conservation, surfing, bushwalking, tourism and education. The Group provided valuable input to the planning process over several meetings in 2022, with their time and commitment very much appreciated.
A draft precinct plan is also being developed. The precinct plan is focussed on the main visitor area, near the entrance to the park. It will provide a more detailed view of plans for the buildings, paths, car parks and other visitor facilities in this area, including how we propose to support future cultural, community and education activities.
The draft plan of management and draft precinct plan will be available for everyone to have their say when they go on public exhibition in mid-2023. We will let you know when this happens and how to provide comments.
Café and campground sewerage systems
We have started work on connecting the café and campground to the mains sewer. This will be a major improvement for Killalea and will provide an improved level of service to visitors, be safer for the environment and will reduce management costs significantly in the long term. The work is expected to be completed by June 2023.
As an interim work will continue on the campground and café sewage (septic) systems to ensure they are functioning effectively, portable toilets are being provided while the work is being done.
Removal of old infrastructure
Recent building assessments, including a structural engineer's report, have identified that the front entrance building, and the former manager's residence are in very poor condition and unsafe for staff and visitors. The buildings are beyond repair. We will remove the buildings in May 2023. Vehicle access into the park will not be possible whilst undertaking the work. The National Parks and Wildlife Service website and on-park signage will be used to notify visitors of the closure details.
Other works planned for 2023
Other capital works planned to be completed before the end of June 2023 include resealing the Mystics car park, the entrance road to the camping ground and café car parks. Works will also improve the walking track surface from the park entrance to Mystics car park. We are also working with the Southeast Local Land Services to undertake pest control in Killalea, mainly targeting rabbits and foxes.
Information, bookings, events and activities
Killalea Regional Park is fully integrated into National Parks and Wildlife Service systems, including new webpage, alerts and booking systems for the campground and events like wedding ceremonies. If you want to book an event at Killalea Regional Park, contact our staff at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469 for more details.
