Open up river and bushland to locals and eco tourism

Done properly and with minimal impact on the environment there’s no reason why we can’t develop an eco tourism industry here in the Macarthur region.

Last night Labor councillor Meg Oates got the ball rolling for a bush cycle track along the Georges River from Wedderburn to Glenfield.

While some local environmentalists were probably horrified at the thoughts of thousands of cyclists invading our bushland areas, the reality is that Meg Oates did not go far enough.

A cycle and walking track along the river from Wedderburn to Glenfield should be part of a bigger plan that encourages locals to enjoy our magnificent bush areas but also gives the local economy a boost.

But Campbelltown Council may have to amend its most recent zoning instrument (LEP or Local Environment Plan) to allow for the operation of bed and breakfast homes along this track.

B&Bs catering to eco tourists would be perfect close to the river in places like Wedderburn, St Helens Park, Airds, Kentlyn, Minto Heights, Macquarie Fields, Ingleburn and Glenfield.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]And if you’ve got tourists then you’ve got people buying provisions somewhere in Campbelltown, from food to beverages.[/social_quote]

Other businesses that would fit the eco tourism model would include river activities such as kayaking or canoeing.

None of these activities, nor the walking and cycling tracks, would impact on the environment in a detrimental way.

And with so many people in bushland areas it may also have the positive side effect of stopping the narks who dump rubbish in our magnificent pristine areas.

Council backed Cr Oates’ suggestion last night and officers will be putting together a report on the feasibility.

Let’s hope that they go one step further and consider making such tracks part of an eco tourism strategy that opens access to our beautiful river and bushland areas to locals and eco tourists alike.