COASTAL WALKING TRACK UP IN AIR

Access is being denied to the spectacular Campbells Hole in Gerringong. Photo by Karen Woodward.

Kiama Council is calling on the state government to speed up plans to establish the coastal walking track from Loves Bay to Werri Beach with fears the proposed trail could be lost with a change of government in the March election.

Hitting a stumbling block at the final hurdle, the state government is having trouble acquiring property adjacent to North Werri Headland after the landowner rejected a $1 million acquisition offer.

Given the Department of Planning has been working on this matter for two years, council has become increasingly concerned there will be a further delay in the government acquiring the necessary lands to provide safe access to this part of the coastline.

The delay in acquiring the land is denying the community legal access to existing public land between Kiama and Werri Beach, forcing the public to take on the dangerous conditions prevalent around North Werri Headland in order to reach the popular fishing and swimming spot at Campbells hole.

The Walking Track will be a major tourist attraction and an important recreational facility for local residents, Mayor Sandra McCarthy said.

Given the length of time that has already elapsed in establishing the Walking Track it is imperative that no further delays are incurred that could jeopardise this project which is of state significance.

Living in the area myself I know that a lot of people visit the Campbells Hole area whether to fish or swim and making them walk around the headland presents a very dangerous situation.

Joining council in calling on the state government to establish the coastal walking track are a number of Werri Beach locals who feel it is unsafe to force people to walk around the rocks in order to enjoy the natural facilities on offer.

With all the insurance hassles these days I can understand why the landowner doesnt want us to access the land on the way to Campbells but I have no doubt that the introduction of this track would make things a lot safer and easier for everyone, lifetime resident Kyle OBrien said.

Growing up in Werri when youre a young fella it almost a rite of passage to go over to Campbells and get your first big fish but it just too dangerous for the inexperienced to get around there at the moment.

Its sad too because Campbells is a spectacular place where both young and old can get out and enjoy having a good fish or a bit of a swim. It is a fantastic area that is there to be enjoyed not locked away from the public.

Kiama MP Matt Brown said despite the fact that the landowner had rejected the governments acquisition offer he was still firmly committed to providing the community with access to Campbells Hole.

I dont want locals walking around the rocks with big waves breaking all over them it is important that we provide the community with safe access to our special coastline.

Although I understand the land owners point of view that they dont want to be held liable if something happens I also understand the government has solutions put in place to alleviate their concerns, Mr Brown said.