Plans to transform the South Coast's iconic Light to Light Walk have taken a step forward following the adoption of the Plan of Management amendment for Ben Boyd National Park.
Naomi Stephens, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Executive Director, said the amendment and the Light to Light Strategy released today outline the long-term vision for the region's signature attraction.
"NPWS will now move forward with plans to transform the existing Light to Light Walk through Ben Boyd National Park into a spectacular, uninterrupted 30-kilometre coastal track with purpose-built hut accommodation and new campgrounds along the way.
"The walk will be enhanced in stages starting with two new eco hut sites at Mowarry Point and Hegarty's Bay, offering comfortable stopovers along the way.
"The first stage also includes an upgrade of the informal campground at Mowarry Point to establish a purpose-built walk-in camp site with new tent platforms and toilet, as well as a new walk-in camp site at Bittangabee Bay.
"All accommodation in the national park will be owned and operated by NPWS.
"We will also realign some sections of the existing track closer to the coast, to offer spectacular views and to protect the environmental and cultural values of the park," Ms Stephens said.
The first stage of the project is expected to be complete around December 2022.
NPWS received more than 200 submissions during the public exhibition of the draft Plan of Management amendment and draft Light to Light Strategy.
"I thank the community for providing valuable feedback that will shape how this project moves forward," Ms Stephens said.
"A key outcome is the establishment of a Light to Light Walk Stakeholder Reference Group that will work with NPWS to guide the roll out of the project.
"NPWS will now invite representatives from a broad range of local and regional organisations to be part of the group," Ms Stephens said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said funding from the Regional Growth-Environment and Tourism Fund will allow new tourism infrastructure to be built, including overnight accommodation for walkers.
"The popularity of multi-day walks is surging, and this investment is going to encourage visitors to the Sapphire Coast to revel in nature-based and adventure tourism," Mr Barilaro said.
