NSW south coast community secure victory for beach and coastal protection

Following a hard-fought grass roots campaign conducted by Save Killalea Alliance, a major celebration will be held on Sunday 24th July 2022, in recognition of the handing over of the management of one of the Illawarra’s most popular destinations - Killalea State Park - to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Killalea is an area of incredible ecological and cultural importance and a space that is much loved by locals attracting about 30,000 visitors a month. The Park is home to diverse vegetation types that support nine endangered ecological communities and provides habitat for many bird species. Migratory shorebirds such as the Sooty and Pied Oyster Catcher are also known to nest at Killalea.

On 1st July 2022, the management of Killalea was officially handed over to National Parks and Wildlife Service for protection of this unique and pristine area of the NSW south coast.

The Save Killalea Alliance campaign consisted of rallies, protests, and surfing paddle out to raise awareness of their campaign to protect Killalea and ‘The Farm’ National Surfing Reserve.

A proposal in 2019 from Reflections Holiday Parks - a state government-owned organisation set up to manage holiday parks on public Crown land and the previous managers of the Killalea State Park - included building a 200-seat function/conference centre, restaurant, and luxury eco cabins. This development was opposed by the local community. The Killalea State Park covers 265ha with 8kms of coastline including frontage onto the Minnamurra river.

In 2019 the NSW Government awarded a $6.5 million grant to upgrade the Killalea reserve park, run by the Reflections Holiday Parks group which were to invest $4.4 million into the project. As well as the 15 luxury eco-cabins and 200-seat function centre, the redevelopment proposed to include 53 full-serviced campsites, a new playground, walking trails and outdoor recreational equipment.

However, as the community noted “Killalea State Park was donated to the public as a surfing reserve, to be conserved for future generations and avoid development. We like it as it is; beautiful, unspoiled and affordable. We object to the use of this public space being developed for private interest, and with a massive donation of public funds no less. Why a grant for what appears to be a commercial enterprise? A 200 seat function centre/venue would regularly bring well over 100 cars in and out - overwhelming the site and surrounding residential areas.”

Following community protests in 2021 including a successful paddle out where 680 surfers showed their support for the campaign, Kiama MP Gareth Ward was critical of the proposal in a letter to the minister responsible – NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, calling for management of the reserve to be handed over to the National Parks and Wildlife Service instead.

At the time Ward commented "the process of consultation undertaken by Reflections Holiday Parks has been nothing short of abysmal. The lack of clear communication and weak community engagement has only served to heighten frustration and anger amongst locals."

The decision was then made in December 2021 to add Killalea State Park to the NSW National Parks estate, creating one of NSW’s newest Regional Parks.

NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean said the transfer, from NSW Crown Lands, was a major win for the community who have campaigned for greater protections for some time and noted “as a Regional Park, Killalea will continue to be treasured, while at the same time its plants, animals, birds and threatened species will be protected for future generations.

Minister Pavey said the 260-hectare park will be dedicated as a Regional Park and protected by national parks legislation adding “dedication of Killalea Regional Park will ensure this spectacular coastal location remains a pristine spot for camping, world class surfing, bushwalking, fishing and picnics."

Recently elected Mayor of Shellharbour, Chris Homer, has praised everyone involved for their dedication over the years, fighting to protect Killalea State Park for future generations.

Homer is also the Deputy Chair of National Surfing Reserves and was responsible for the successful paddle out campaign held in May 2021.

Homer notes “this victory shows how an engaged community can change history and gives hope to other coastal communities around Australia who are fighting their own battles with over development.”

Brad Farmer, the founder of both Surfrider Foundation and National Surfing Reserves and regarded as Australia’s foremost beach expert and advocate advised “it’s so pleasing to be involved in an amazing community victory for beach and coastal protection and a tangible reflection of what I have spent a lifetime advocating for, the protection of our beaches and coastlines – well done Shellharbour.”

Ben Morgan, Convenor of the Save Killalea Alliance added “It has been an amazing response from the community and everyone else involved to keep Killalea beautiful and protected for future generations to come.”

Minister Pavey advised that Reflections Holiday Parks have welcomed the outcome for it to come under the care of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and recognise its unique environmental and cultural values.