NSW government announces $56 million plan to rejuvenate Dorrigo rainforest

Members of the public are divided after the NSW government announced a massive $56 million plan to rejuvenate the Dorrigo National Park. See why some are upset.

A new visitor centre and walking trail has been proposed as part of a $56 million upgrade by the NSW government in the Dorrigo National Park.

The proposal includes a rainforest centre hub and a huge 46 km multi-day walk.

The development aims to draw tourists into the stunning region after bushfires and the pandemic and is the largest national park investment in Australian history.

Although local’s reaction to the upgrade has been mostly positive, some blasted the $56 million proposal.

Brain Clarkson, 64 has been in the area for over 20 years and said the increased need for social housing should be prioritised.

Brian Clarkson welcomes to the new development but believes more funding should be put to social housing.

“The government’s good at spending huge sums of money making things look pretty, but there is a huge need for social housing across the country.” Mr Clarkson said.

He said the Dorrigo centre is already a wonderful resource and said he has“no doubts the proposal will be stunning”.

“But where is the greater need? The plight of elderly women living in cars because the housing crisis has driven them out. It’s shameful,” he said.

National park management and tourism generates $18 billion yearly and supports over 74,000 jobs, with majority of economic benefit coming from regional areas.

The project is predicted to create 270 ongoing jobs in the Bellingen and Dorrigo region.

The stunning Dorrigo Mountain waterfall. Picture: Matt Gazy

Peter Mortimore of Elders Dorrigo was born in Dorrigo and said the development would be “amazing” for the town.

“The potential for it is incredible. The flow on effect for the town will be undeniably massive,” Mr Mortimore said.

Mr Mortimore said the project is a “tremendous opportunity for the town” and the return figures through tourism alone will justify the cost.

“This is going to bring massive economic growth. It’s a game change for Dorrigo and Bellingen,” he said.

Peter Mortimore of Dorrigo welcomes the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk and said it will boost the economy in the region. Picture: supplied

Online the debate was heated with locals posting their frustration on popular Facebook groups

Groups on Facebook, such as “Ben Boyd – Light to Light Walk – Community Action Group” are fighting against developments like this.

They believe they are aimed at high-paying users and “are likely to be beyond the means of most people”.

“A ban on camping at the proposed sites effectively locks Australians out of our National Park. This is a growing issue in Australia and across the globe and if we don‘t take a stand, these areas will be unavailable for us and for future generations,” they wrote on their Facebook page.

The current Dorrigo Rainforest Centre remains a popular destination but NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said it requires “significant investment to maintain”.

The new walking track will pass through the lush Dorrigo and Bindarri National Parks, featuring ancient trees and stunning waterfalls.

Selected for funding due to its proximity halfway between Brisbane and Sydney, the massive development is aiming to bring in visitors from all across the nation.