Public exhibition of this draft plan provides an opportunity for members of the community to have a say in the future management of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is committed to working closely with key stakeholders, including the Wiradjuri Traditional Owners to establish Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
The new park forms a strategic link between Blue Mountains National Park, Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park. In addition to protecting significant cultural, landscape and other natural values, this new park will bring significant economic benefits to Lithgow and the surrounding region through investment into the park and creation of new experiences that will attract visitors to the area. It also presents an awe-inspiring natural setting for people to enjoy a range of recreational activities and connect with nature.
The draft plan was exhibited alongside the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area: draft Master Plan, which outlines a range of detailed proposals for infrastructure and visitor management.
What is a plan of management?
Parks and reserves established under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 need to have a plan of management. The plan includes information on important park values and provides directions for future management.
The plan of management is a legal document, and after the plan is adopted all operations and activities in the park must be in line with the plan. From time to time plans of management are amended to support changes to park management.
When will the plan of management be finalised?
At the end of the public exhibition period in July 2022, we will comprehensively review all submissions, prepare a submissions report and make any necessary changes to the draft plan of management. The Blue Mountains Advisory Committee will then review the plan along with the submissions and report, as required by the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
Once their input has been considered and any further changes made to the plan of management, we provide the plan to the Minister for Environment and Heritage. The plan of management is finalised when the Minister formally adopts the plan under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Once a plan is adopted, it is published on the department's website and a public notice is advertised in the NSW Government Gazette.
Why is a plan being prepared now?
Parks and reserves established under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 are required to have a plan of management. A draft plan is being prepared now to provide a long-term strategic outlook for the park and guide park management. The plan of management will provide the foundations for the park’s establishment as a state conservation areas and major visitor destination.
What is the difference between the draft plan of management and draft master plan?
The draft plan of management is a legal document which outlines strategic, ongoing management objectives for the park. The draft master plan sits within the framework provided by the draft plan of management and outlines a range of proposals for visitor management and infrastructure improvements
The draft master plan is currently on exhibition and NPWS is seeking comment on its proposals. We have outlined information on how to make a submission on the draft master plan on the Gardens of Stone draft Master Plan: Public consultation webpage.
What opportunities will the community have to comment?
Public consultation on the draft plan of management has closed.
The draft plan of management was exhibited with the draft master plan to provide a clearer understanding of what's being proposed for the future management of Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, and the information necessary to enable stakeholder feedback.
Where can I see a printed copy of the draft plan?
Hard copies were available for viewing at the following locations:
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office, 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
- Lithgow Council, 180 Mort Street, Lithgow NSW 2790
How can I comment on the draft plan?
Public exhibition for the plan of management has closed.