Yalwal management plan
Background and overview
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| Yalwal is a popular recreation area |
The rapid deterioration of the Yalwal area in recent years has been a matter of major concern to responsible authorities and members of the general public. Yalwal is a place of historic and environmental significance in the region and its Danjera Dam will play an increasingly important role within Shoalhaven’s water supply system.
Ease of access combined with a rugged bushland setting has made Yalwal a focal point for users of off-road vehicles and trail bikes. Most of the people who come to the area appreciate its natural and historic values and act responsibly. Regrettably, a minority see only an opportunity to camp, drive and ride in a manner that is resulting in track erosion, destruction of vegetation and disrupts other visitors through noise and dangerous driving.
As a result of all this, a plan has been formed and work has commenced to address these issues. Stage one has been completed and stages two and three are just about to be undertaken.
Stage I saw the plans drawn up for the restoration of damaged areas and funding secured to carry out this vital work. It also saw work completed on roads and walking tracks to provide better guidance on which areas are accessible and which areas are off limits.
The camping and picnic areas have been improved and a new toilet block has been built.
Objectives
We want to preserve Yalwal as a place where people may capture something of the pioneering spirit of the early settlers and miners who helped lay the economic foundation in the Shoalhaven district.
We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy pristine bushland typical of this part of the NSW South Coast
We want to ensure that the Danjera water supply system is safe guarded against pollution, siltation and other threats to its integrity.
Current Status
The next two stages are still in draft form and have yet to be approved for implementation however some of the proposed initiatives are as follows:
- Roads and parking areas are to be improved to allow easier access to the area. Additional walking routes will also be established.
- Landscaping of the camping and picnic areas and addition of extra amenities like covered cooking and eating area.
- Additional information signage around significant historical sites and the possible establishment of a heritage park at the site of the old mining area.
The details of stages two and three are yet to be confirmed but the overall objective is to continue to preserve this beautiful area and make it safer and more accessible to the public.
More information
If you would like to find out more about how we’re working to make this happen you can follow the links above.