Submissions needed- proposed climbing ban in Kiama region national parks
05th February 2026
Submissions close on Feb 9 ( 5pm) for the draft plan of management for a group of NPWS managed lands to the west of Kiama. This includes Macquarie Pass National Park and SCA, Barren Grounds Nature reserve, Robertson Nature reserve and Budderoo NP, as shown in the map below.
The draft plan, which can be seen here, proposes to ban all adventure activities including rock climbing with the sole exception of canyoning Macquarie Rivulet. This activity may require a permit and it says no permanent fixtures will be allowed.
P33:
Even off track walking looks like it will be severely restricted.
Although it is important that ecology and cultural heritage be protected, blanket bans and categorisation of activities such as climbing as risk based rather than nature based diminishes the importance of this pursuit to its participants and projects a false narrative that such activities cannot coexist with appropriate protections.
This is bureaucratic overreach at its worst and blanket bans are a lazy management tool.
In your submission you could raise the following points:
-the importance of these parks to yourself and your family
- an objection to the categorisation of rock climbing as a "risk-based activity" rather than a nature based activity
-objection to blanket bans. Support for conservation and cultural heritage protection are best achieved through collaboration, evidence-based decision-making and proportionate management responses.
Submissions can be sent by email or by completing an online form :
If you live locally, send a copy to your local State MP:
Ms Anna Watson MP (Labor) member for Shellharbour shellharbour@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ryan Park MP (Labor) Member for Keira and Minister for Illawarra and South Coast
Ms Kaitlyn McInerney (Labor), MP, member for Kiama kiama@parliament.nsw.gov.au
rs Judy Hannan MP (independent) member for Wollondilly wollondilly@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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