Pagodas Over Profits: Katoomba Public Meeting Unanimously Calls for NSW Government to reject Commercial Glamping Proposals for Gardens of Stone
A crowd of over fifty concerned citizens last night sent a clear message to the NSW Government: that conservation areas are not resort development zones. At a public meeting held in Katoomba, attendees voted unanimously to demand an immediate halt to the proposed "glamping" resorts within the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
The meeting, organised by the Blue Mountains Conservation Society in response to growing fears for the region’s unique "platy pagoda" rock formations, brought together scientists, legislators, and conservationists who argue that the shift toward commercial accommodation threatens the very integrity of the park system.
Annette Cam, President of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, opened the proceedings by reaffirming the Society’s fierce opposition to the developments. "These are not just 'tents'; they are commercial operations in one of the world's most fragile landscapes," Ms. Cam said.
Scientific and Environmental Risks
Veteran conservationist Keith Muir provided a sobering technical analysis of the three proposed sites, which sit within essentially pristine landscapes. He warned that the developers' plans to manage waste are fundamentally flawed.
"Building large artificial soil mounds to dispose of grey water on bare rock and stone simply won't work," Mr. Muir explained. "Instead of luxury, we are looking at a guaranteed source of invasive weeds and devastating plant pathogens being introduced into sensitive ecosystems."
Associate Professor Ali Chauvenet, a senior scientist with extensive research in park management, highlighted the vital mental health benefits derived from visiting undeveloped national parks. She noted that while commercial development in protected areas are becoming a central pillar of the global tourism agenda, the intrinsic value of these spaces remains tied to their natural state.
Political support
The meeting took a dramatic turn when Local Member Trish Doyle presented the NSW Government’s official position. Ms. Doyle stated she personally objected to the proposals and ultimately voted in favour of the meeting's resolution to oppose the developments, making the resolution unanimous.
Sue Higginson, NSW Greens MLC, echoed the sentiment of betrayal felt by many long-term conservation activists. "For decades, citizens have made immense sacrifices to protect our rainforests, koala habitats and build our protected area network," Ms. Higginson said. "They didn't do that so the government could hand over these treasures to be privatised as resort development zones."
The "Katoomba Resolution"
The meeting concluded with the unanimous passing of a resolution calling on the NSW Government to:
• Refuse approval and lease issue for construction of new commercial accommodation facilities at the three proposed sites that would damage conservation values and impact essentially pristine internationally significant and rare platy pagoda landscapes.
• Legislate protection for areas of rare or significant geodiversity and for areas of outstanding natural beauty at a level equal to that afforded threatened species;
• Ban construction of new commercial accommodation facilities in Parks as it damages conservation values, as demonstrated by the potential impacts of glamping resorts on internationally significant and rare platy pagoda landscapes;
• Ban free handouts of park facilities to and secret reserve management negotiations with developers as these encourage development on park before development on private land.
"The line has been drawn," said Ms. Cam. "The community has spoken with one voice: our parks are for nature and the public, not for private profit."
Media Contact: Keith Muir - mobile 0412 791 404; email keith.muir6@bigpond.com
Website: www.gardensofstone.org.au
