Killalea boost

KILLALEA State Park has received a boost with its annual funding grant of $282 000 courtesy of the state government.

According to Killalea State Park Trust Secretary Mark Luchetti the grant covers about half of the funds needed by the park across the year.

As the only state park in NSW that does not charge a gate fee Killalea must rely on other means of income.

Mr Luchetti said the trust has absolutely no plans to introduce a gate fee in the foreseeable future and is instead becoming more entrepreneurial in the methods used to raise money.

A camping area has been completed, perfect timing for summer holidaymakers, with about 60 sites. The area is classified as a primitive campsite with no power allocated to the sites. There is a kitchen area with barbecues and a modern amenities block.

The park also has a bunkhouse that caters for up to 40 people. Mr Luchetti said the bunkhouse is utilised by schools, community groups and many others.

A training facility is run by the park where people can gain tickets in occupational health and safety and plant operation.

According to Mr Luchetti the training facility raises about $80 000 for the park annually.

The government said that we had to get more entrepreneurial, so we did, Mr Luchetti said.

Still on the cards and with a decision expected by next February Killalea is looking to lease part of the park to a private party to build holiday accommodation.

Mr Luchetti said the development would enable the park to survive financially well into the future. The money earned through the lease would be put back into the parks facilities ensuring Killalea remains one of the best and most utilised state parks in NSW.

Another major project set to be completed upon securing the funding to do so is a path leading to The Farm, one of the Illawarras most popular surfing beaches. At present visitors to The Farm have to walk down a fairly steep incline to get to the beach. The path will enable disabled access as well as access for those with prams.

The trust has experienced its fair share of setbacks to the park. Vandalism and theft have remained a constant issue in the park with the isolated vehicles of surfers a constant target by thieves.

Mr Luchetti said the trees surrounding the car parks have been trimmed so that vision is improved, discouraging thieves.

Much of the parks future is hinged on the expression of interest by the party involved in lease plans.

We will have a much better indication by February of where we are at. They have to respond and give us a strong indication of what they are doing. If the expression of interest is successful then it is all go with everything as we will have the funding to do so, he said.

Minister for Lands Tony Kelly said the annual funding grant is for day to day operational costs, plus plant and equipment spending.

NSW State Parks provide a natural setting for communities to enjoy a range of affordable recreational and leisure activities, he said.