RECOGNISING the environmental sensitivity of Bulahdelah’s Lions Park camping site, MidCoast Council is undertaking a review to better formalise and adequately service the site.

While Lions Park, Bulahdelah is currently closed to camping, MidCoast Council is fully intending to reopen the site for travellers in the future.

Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell, has confirmed a process of formalising camping options at Lions Park is currently underway.

Initially closed as a result of COVID-19, the free camping area has remained closed while Council works through formalising the site and ensuring it is adequately serviced.

“The park is in an environmentally sensitive location on the Myall River, so it is important we take this opportunity to look at providing amenities for those who use the site,” Mr De Szell explained.

The Myall River feeds into the Myall Lake system which is a RAMSAR listed wetland with very significant ecology.

Also under consideration are restrictions to the length of time campers can call Lions Park home, with it being restricted to short stays of in the order of 48-72 hours.

Being able to comply with COVID rules for registration is also part of the picture, however the site also lacks a formal approval as a camping site.

“We are working through this with the local Lions Club to ensure that all appropriate approvals are in place so that the facility can reopen for the travelling community.”

Mr De Szell said while there are no definite timeframes for reopening the site at this point, there is a strong commitment to do so.

“We are fully committed to reopening the site when the appropriate approval framework is in place and all environmental and health risks are managed.”