On Sunday 24 July 2022, a major celebration will be held in celebration of the handing over of the management of Killalea State Park to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
It has been three years since a development proposal was rallied against, and on 1 July this year, the management of Killalea was 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 conducted a hard-fought grass roots campaign, consisting of rallies, protests, and surfing paddle out to raise awareness of their campaign to protect Killalea and ‘The Farm’ National Surfing Reserve.
Reflections Holiday Parks, the previous managers of the Killalea State Park, proposed to build 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.
Recently elected Mayor of Shellharbour,Mr Chris Homer, has praised everyone involved for their dedication over the years, fighting to protect Killalea State Park for future generations.
Mr Homer is also the Deputy Chair of National Surfing Reserves and was responsible for the successful paddle out held in May 2021, where 680 surfers showed their support for the campaign.
‘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’, said Mr Homer.
Brad Farmer AM is the founder of both Surfrider Foundation and National Surfing Reserves. He is regarded as Australia’s foremost beach expert and advocate.
‘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’, said Mr Farmer.
Mr 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’, said Mr Morgan.
