NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) is seeking public comment on a proposal to relocate a 3.2 kilometre section of Mungo Brush Road in Myall Lakes National Park.

The proposed action is due to inland movement of sand from Dark Point dunes which will block the road within two years without intervention.

NPWS have been monitoring sand movement since 2010 showing the dune sheet is moving inland at a rate of six to nine metres a year.

At the current rate, Consultants predict sand will start to impact on vehicle access by 2018 and bury the section of road under eight metres of sand within 50 years.

NPWS have already relocated Dark Point carpark out of the shifting dune path and removed sand from the area for public safety and to ensure pedestrian access to Dark Point dunes is maintained.

NPWS consider the proposed relocation of the section of Road the only feasible long-term management option.

Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce and Tourism President Mark McCormick and Bulahdelah’s Chamber President John Sahyoun agree maintaining vehicle access along Mungo Brush Road is essential for economic, recreational and tourism activities in the area.

Mr McCormick said Mungo Brush Road access was particularly important to the local business economy.

“The tourism potential to our towns is especially important with the road bringing thousands of tourists each year who are attracted to the National Park,” Mr McCormick said.

“If there is no intervention and the road closes, many businesses in the area will lose.”

Mr Sahyoun said Mungo Brush Road provides an essential tourism connection between the towns.

“The road is well utilised and links a number of important destinations in the National Park,” he said.

“It’s a popular tourist route between Bulahdelah and the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest areas boosting the economy in the Region.”

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and draft concept plans for the road relocation will be on public exhibition until 21 June.

The REF is currently displayed at Tea Gardens, Karuah and Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centres, Tea Gardens Library and can also be viewed online.

Submissions can be made at https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au or www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au or emailed to greatlakes.area@environment.nsw.gov.au

Written submissions can be mailed to The Project Manager, Mungo Brush Road REF, The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms, NSW 2428.

Submissions close at 5pm on 21 June 2016.

By Daniel SAHYOUN