Mayor, MP launch campaign to make Cumberland State Forest national park
A state forest at risk of being subdivided for residential development is the centre of a new campaign by Liberal politicians to make it a national park.
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Campaigners trying to preserve the Cumberland State Forest are calling on the State Government to transform it into a new national park.
Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne and Baulkham Hills state Liberal MP David Elliott are lobbying NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean to transfer ownership of the site to the protection of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The bid from local and state politicians comes after The Hills Shire Times revealed the NSW Forestry Corporation is currently plotting to sell off land surrounding the Cumberland State Forest in West Pennant Hills for subdivision and development.
Forestry Corporation, an arm of the government, has submitted a planning proposal to rezone land at 87 to 97 Castle Hill Rd and 121 to 131 Oratava Ave, West Pennant Hills, for low-density residential development.
In letters from Cr Byrne and Mr Elliott to Mr Kean and Deputy Premier John Barilaro, it has been revealed advice they have received indicates the proposal has “no merit”.
“It would appear that there may not be a whole-of-government approach,” the letter says.
Cr Byrne said she and Mr Elliott wanted to see a “green grid” created to support higher-density suburbs and increase recreational opportunities.
“We believe that the best way to protect the Cumberland State Forest is for it to become a National Park, with the emphasis being on conservation, community access, wellbeing and enjoyment rather than remaining a state forest where the focus is on a return on investment for the State Government,” Cr Byrne said.
Mr Elliott said he asked the Deputy Premier to transfer the Cumberland State Forest to NSW National Parks.
Mr Kean recently called for the NSW Government to increase the national park creation rate “ten-fold”.
The Environment Minister did not respond to questions before deadline.
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