THE future management of Coffs Coast Regional Park is being guided by a new trust board including a mix of fresh faces and former members.

Coffs Coast Regional Park protects the coastal strip north of Coffs Harbour – from Macauleys Headland to Corindi Beach – and provides important day-use areas, walking tracks and beach access for the community and visitors to the region.

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Headlands and important coastal vegetation are conserved by the Regional Park, providing habitat for threatened and protected fauna.

The new board, appointed by Environment Minister James Griffin, includes representatives from the local community, Aboriginal community, Coffs Harbour City Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The new board members are: Rod McKelvey – community, Grahame Douglas – community, Yvette Pacey – Aboriginal community, Tony Dootson – Aboriginal community, Councillor Tegan Swan – Coffs Harbour City Council (CHCC), Councillor George Cecato – CHCC and Glenn Storrie – National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Speaking as a community member of the board, Rod McKelvey told News Of The Area, “It’s an honour to be reappointed to the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust Board.

“I have been active in conservation all my life and have surfed many of the beaches on Australia’s east coast.

“The coastline has certainly changed.

“Over the years, I’ve seen dunes and vegetation so badly disturbed by beachgoers that we are at risk of losing not only many valuable native plant species and heritage sites but also the natural buffer this zone gives to beachside communities.

“We adjoin 1200 neighbours, including two major resorts, a golf club and several holiday parks, which puts extra pressure on the vegetation and wildlife habitat.

“The board is entrusted with the task of preserving and enhancing the coastal strip whilst working with the community to create appropriate beach access and provide opportunities for recreation in specific areas,” he said.

Masterplans to direct future works have been completed for Sandy Beach and Emerald Beach day-use areas.

“We will be progressing a couple of upgrades already underway at Mullaway and Sandy Beach day-use areas that the local community and visitors can use, while preserving the coastline for the protection of biodiversity and cultural heritage; the board will also be activating the approved ‘Emerald Beach Masterplan’ with the local community.

“Along with these highly-visible, day-use areas, it’s great to support a network of Landcare groups and professional bush regenerators as they protect and enhance coastal vegetation,” he said.

Rod is looking forward to working with the new board to add to the impressive list of completed projects achieved since its inception in 2003.

“It’s going to be a very busy, but rewarding, five years,” said Rod.

Examples of some of the projects completed include the creation of the Solitary Island Coastal Walk, upgrades to day-use facilities at Arrawarra Headland, Diggers Beach, viewing platforms and new paths at Woolgoolga Headland and Safety Beach and beach access tracks throughout the regional park.

By Andrea FERRARI