Proposed developments in Ben Boyd National Park have been responded to with concern and disdain by many park users and local residents.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 30km track of the Light to Light Walk runs between Boyd's Tower, originally built as a lighthouse in 1847, and Green Cape Lighthouse, built from 1881-1883.
Public consultation closed in regards to the Light to Light Walk Draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) on Friday, October 15.
Jonathan Gaul, president of Boydtown Shipyard, operators of Boydtown History Centre, made one of those submissions and raised what he saw as an important omission from the draft review.
Mr Gaul said while it supported the overall project, the Ben Boyd History Centre disagreed with the absence of up to date information and assessment of the condition and maintenance of historic Boyd's Tower.
According to Mr Gaul, the REF acknowledged Boyd's Tower was an integral part of the Light to Light and was one of its most visited sites.
"So why are they spending $8million on a track and not a cent on the tower? They are planning all these elaborate works but the tower has been left out, with no explanation," he said.
"The tower is one of the main elements of the walk and one of the most romantic ruins on the whole east coast of Australia.
"It deserves more recognition for its heritage value, but neither the Department of Environment nor NPWS seem to give a stuff about it. This doesn't represent the public."
Boyd's Tower was originally designed by slaver and entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd, however the Pyrmont sandstone tower was deemed unsuitable for the purpose by the Crown. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the 23-metre tower was then used by shore-based whalers for their operations.
According to Mr Gaul, although Boyd's Tower was recognised in council's Local Environment Plan, it was not recognised at a state or national level.
Green Cape Lighthouse was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2013.
Local historian Angela George said Boyd's Tower should be on the State Heritage Register, and that NPWS should commit funds to the iconic landmark.
"Realistically, Boyd's Tower needs an appropriately qualified heritage architect to assess and advise on the way forward," Ms George said.
"It's a highly significant part of our European heritage, and although Boyd behaved abhorrently, he did other things too and we can't wipe his existence off the face of the earth."
NPWS has been contacted for comment regarding the number of submissions received, timeline for release of a report, information about a recent stakeholder reference group meeting, and maintenance and protection of Boyd's Tower.
"It seems like our natural heritage is being treated as something to be reserved for the highest bidder, rather than the taxpayers who have paid for it to be retained and maintained for decades," Ms George said.
Read also:
Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
