Pine Forest community committee established
Forests NSW have agreed to work with the Armidale community in order to develop the Armidale Pine Forest for recreational purposes.
The Regional Manager for Forests NSW, Mr Damien O'Reilly, said a new five-year plan was being developed as the level of strong community interest in using the Armidale Pine Forest for a wide range of recreational purposes was ‘very impressive'.
"Given the relatively small area for commercial forestry operations, the Pine Forest's location so close the town, and the level of strong community interest, Forests NSW have decided to go ahead with a new plan," Mr O'Reilly said.
A new Pine Forest Committee was set up under the Armidale Dumaresq Council's Herbert Park Local Area Committee (HPLAC) to provide a co-ordinated community position on development and management of the Pine Forest.
Armidale Dumaresq Mayor Cr Peter Ducat presided over the establishment of the Committee, following a public meeting held on September 29 at which representatives from a wide range of users and stakeholders volunteered to serve on the Committee. Terms of Reference for the Committee were prepared and on October 8 the Committee was formally constituted.
"Discussions with Forests NSW started in February this year when Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay arranged a meeting of community groups and Forests NSW to discuss rehabilitation of the clear felled area of the forest, the vandalised picnic area and the ongoing issue of dumping of rubbish," Cr Ducat said.
"The HPLAC were asked to develop a plan with Forests NSW. This involved a comprehensive stakeholder analysis involving a widespread range of community groups used to develop the Forests NSW five-year management plan. Arrangements were further formalized through development of a memorandum of understanding setting out arrangements for Forests NSW working with the local community."
The Committee will report to the Council, HPLAC and Forests NSW. The Committee comprises 15 members representing all user groups and will be chaired by the Council's representative for the HPLAC, Cr Herman Beyersdorf.
Cr Beyersdorf said the Committee had an important job to make the most out of this great opportunity and to help develop the Pine Forest for the enjoyment of all members of the community.
"Although there are many synergies between the interests of a number of potential users, there will need to be a bit of give and take as not all uses are compatible," Cr Beyersdorf said. "However, the Committee will work in an open and constructive way to achieve the best outcomes for the majority of users."
Cr Beyersdorf said there was work required in replanting, repairing the picnic area and toilets, establishing walking and bike tracks and attending to ongoing management of weeds and vegetation.
The Committee will be submitting a number of applications for funding grants but will also be looking to the clubs and users to assist through fund raising and working bees. For information contact Helen Schwarz on 6772 1584.
For further information contact Cr Peter Ducat on 0428 669 866 or visit the Council's website at http://www.armidale.nsw.gov.au/about/134196.html
Contact details
Cr Peter Ducat
Tel: 0428 669 866
http://www.armidale.nsw.gov.au/about/134196.html
council@armidale.nsw.gov.au
