Managers have defended their decision to allow caravans, cars and tents next to protected and vulnerable cypress pine trees at the Brunswick Heads Terrace caravan park.
As previously reported, NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust (NSWCHPT) have been taken to task by residents over neglectful management of the pines, some of which are thought to be up to 400 years old.
It’s the latest indication from the embattled government-run corporation that its pursuit of revenue from visitors trumps any environmental responsibility.
A NSWCHPT spokesperson told The Echo, ‘New bookings for the southern end of the Terrace Reserve will be for a reduced number of soft camping sites from February 1, 2018. Prior to taking the decision in August 2017 to implement soft camping only, the Trust had already confirmed bookings for guests with caravans and camp trailers.’
‘The Trust needs to honour the current summer and upcoming Easter bookings, where existing bookings have been confirmed. Other than these peak periods in 2018, the area will be limited to soft camping from February 1, 2018.
‘Every effort will be made to accommodate our returning guests with caravans and camp trailers for their 2019 summer holiday at other more suitable sites within the park.’
Yet the NSWCHPT decision to allow even ‘soft camping’ in peak periods is at odds with Council’s independent ecology report, which states that to ensure the health of the trees, they must be left alone.
Local resident Patricia Warren referred NSWCHPT to Council’s August 25 resolution ‘which explicitedly stated a 5m radius from the pines is required to protect the critical root system.’
It’s the latest in a long list of gaffs and belligerent corporate behaviour by the NSWCHPT, which is headed by CEO Steve Edmonds.
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