The announcement of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area is being welcomed by Lithgow City Council as a win for all.
The Gardens of Stone State Conservation area (SCA) will be created by transferring existing State forests and other government land to the existing Gardens of Stone National Park. Importantly, the State Conservation Area allows for a continuation of mining in the locality – striking the right balance between this activity and environmental protection.
The Gardens of Stone is already widely recognised because of its unique landscape and the new state conservation area declaration will further protect this wonderful natural asset.
Lithgow will also benefit from one of the largest visitor infrastructure packages ever delivered for a new conservation area with a NSW Government budget of $50 million dollars to deliver the early stages of the project.
Lithgow Mayor Ray Thompson said “This is a superior project than earlier proposals because it is funded from day one. These funds will ensure that a broad range of adventure tourism activities are delivered in a timely way.”
The Mayor added “The enormity of this announcement for the Lithgow area cannot be overstated. The proximity to Lithgow means that the economic impact will be significant. I look forward to seeing the influx of tourists, particularly adventure and thrill seekers to this world class destination. Of course, there will also be great potential for many more local jobs.
The multi-use aspect of the SCA will provide a venue for thrill seekers. A huge drawcard will be the Lost City Adventure Experience, as well as a new multi-day walk from the Wollemi National Park to the Gardens of Stone, new and upgraded lookouts, camping areas, walking tracks, mountain bike trails, and more.
The Mayor concluded “The creation of the Gardens of Stone SCA and the significant investment by the government will firmly cement Lithgow’s reputation as an adventure destination.”
The flow on effects have already started with Lithgow Tourism and Events reporting Gardens of Stone SCA enquiries at Lithgow Visitor Information Centre have been overwhelming.
