A display showcasing the visitor highlights of the Waterfall Way has been officially opened at the Ebor Falls Picnic Area in Guy Fawkes River National Park this week. The new lookout platform for the Lower Ebor Falls was also unveiled.
Mr Alan Jeffery, North Coast Region Manager for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), said that the display was a great opportunity to highlight the natural and cultural values of the Ebor Falls area and promote some of the best nature-based experiences and attractions in the region to encourage new visitors to our local national parks.
“Ebor Falls attracts about 80,000 visitors each year to this delightful picnic area on the edge of the vast Guy Fawkes River Wilderness Area,” Mr Jeffery said.
“It was first protected as a recreation reserve in 1895 and has long been an iconic destination for travellers on what is now known as the Waterfall Way between the New England Tablelands and the North Coast.
“The new lookout platform replaces the one that was destroyed by fire in 2007, and provides an enhanced view of both the Upper and Lower Ebor Falls from its extended vantage point.
“The new display encourages visitors to discover the Aboriginal and conservation significance of the Ebor Falls precinct as well as find out what to see and do in the Ebor area and along the Waterfall Way in general,” Mr Jeffery said.
The conservation and management of National Parks make a valuable contribution to the region’s economic and social welfare, attracting businesses and visitors, encouraging nature-based tourism, stimulating economic activity and creating jobs.
A study undertaken in 2006 suggests that visitors to national parks and reserves in North-east NSW contribute about $225 million per year in regional business turnover, helping to create more than 1900 jobs.
National Parks also play an important role in the health of local communities by providing countless opportunities for healthy exercise as well as tranquil areas where you can reduce the stress of urban living. Contact with nature and recreation in parks has also been shown to enhance community cohesion, health and well-being.
In 2005-2006 community groups of Ebor Village formed the VillageLink-VillageView Project Management Committee with Guyra Shire Council. The aim was to coordinate community groups, advocate for community needs and promote the future development of Ebor.
The group has successfully sought funding for a range of projects including a village pathway linking the urban area with other village facilities. To contribute to the project, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will construct a third section of pathway this year, through the national park, to link the village and Ebor Falls.
“This project has been a partnership between NPWS and the Ebor community, to ensure that the many travellers on the Waterfall Way have every opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural attractions of the Ebor area, and contribute to the village’s economic sustainability.
“The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to work with the community to protect the special values of national parks whilst making them accessible to a wider range of people – so that they remain relevant and loved by local communities and contribute to social, cultural and economic outcomes wherever possible, Mr Jeffery said.
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