Yalwal management plan - fact sheet
Background
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. The City Council supported by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Land & Water Conservation (DLWC) together with the user representative Yalwal Consultative Committee has determined that positive action to protect this valuable area is now essential.
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 loss of amenity to other visitors through noise and hazardous activities. The lack of clear guidelines for users and adequate resources for management have led to an “anything goes” attitude by an irresponsible minority which will get worse unless appropriate action is taken.
Responsibility
Responsibility for the publicly owned parts of the Yalwal area is divided. Three authorities – Shoalhaven City Council, NPWS and the DLWC – are involved, each with their own objectives and management systems. This division of responsibility has been one of the main obstacles to an overall approach to management of the area being implemented in the past.
Policies and other proposals set out in this document are designed to address these problems by providing clear guidelines for the public and the co-ordination of policies and management by the responsible authorities. In developing these it was recognised that a balance had to be struck between the needs of users and the requirements of conservation and protection.
Implementation
The management plan will be implemented in stages. Stage 1 which is restricted to Council land and addresses the more urgent problems, has already been initiated. Stage 2 and 3 have been adopted in draft form only at this time and will be the subject of further consideration by the relevant authorities after consultation with the public and the consultative committee appointed for this task.
Studies
Four specialist studies were undertaken to provide current information and expert opinion to ensure consistency with the vision and objectives in the formation of the management plan. The objectives of the studies are described below:
Flora and Fauna
- To describe the flora and fauna in the subject area and their relationship with the environment.
- To identify any species that may be rare or endangered and make recommendations on how they may be safeguarded.
Aboriginal Archaeology
- Assess the impacts of current uses of the area on any Aboriginal sites at or adjacent the Yalwal area.
- Ascertain the view of relevant Aboriginal communities and to document any place of cultural significance to them.
- To recommend future management of any sites found based on their local and regional significance.
Post Contact Heritage
- Provide and inventory of items of non-Aboriginal culture that remain at Yalwal and within its immediate environs together with an account of how they fitted into the social, economic and industrial life of the area.
- Recommend how these items may be presented to the public in an interesting yet safe manner without causing damage to the items or the natural and cultural environs.
Potential for Tourism
- Assess the potential of Yalwal as a centre for tourist activities compatible with its environs and the water quality of Danjera Dam.
- Advise the most appropriate tourist activities having regard to other responsibilities for management of the area.
Acknowledgement:
This plan has been prepared over the last two years by input from agencies, individuals and representatives of community groups with an interest in the Yalwal area, its conservation and management for the enjoyment of present and future residents of Shoalhaven and visitors. The following people making up the Yalwal Consultative Committee are appreciated for their commitment to the vision of Yalwal.
- Shoalhaven Bushwalkers - Don Raffell
- Shoalhaven Historical Society - John Berry
- Australian Conservation Foundation - May Leach
- Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy - Brian Whitehead
- Shoalhaven 4WD Club
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service - Sue Feary
- NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation - Karen Fowler
- Shoalhaven City Council - John Gould
- Bill Tomkinson
- Cr. Greg Watson (Mayor 1999-2003)
- Paul Bland Councillor 1995-99
- SCC Councillors
The above were assisted by Russ Evans who was engaged by Shoalhaven City Council, but also provided enthusiasm from his knowledge and appreciation of the Yalwal area