The Belmont Wetlands State Park in NSW has limited beach permits for the Australia Day long weekend to current pass holders and had considered closing the park completely.
Belmont Wetlands State Park announced through its Facebook page yesterday (16 January) it would be restricting beach permits handed out for the Australia Day long weekend suggesting drought and the increase of fire risk has driven the decision. Only current annual pass holders and valid monthly pass holders will be able to access the area during the upcoming long weekend.
“From today , all Belmont Wetlands State Park Beach Permits have been suspended from sale till after the Australia Day Long Weekend. The only reason for this is our concern for the safety of all Park visitors over this time,” Belmont Stat Park wrote on its Facebook page.
“We have all been touched by the horrendous drought conditions here and around the country. The consequences of this weather we have watched our Fire Fighters battle for months. Unfortunately, Belmont Wetlands State Park and its beautiful beach have not been immune.
“The Australia Day weekend is traditionally our most popular time of year and given the continuing dry weather, we, like so many other Beach Parks and recreational areas, considered closing over this period altogether. That was the easy answer.”
Not wanting to close the park completely over the long weekend, Belmont Wetlands State Park said it made the decision to simply limit access to the park. “And while all the Team of Belmont Wetlands State Park and its Board would love to welcome everyone who would like to spend time with us on Australia Day, we have to stand firm.”
Question: Do you think limiting the numbers of visitors to state and national parks during busy periods is beneficial, and should it be implemented nationwide for the protection of the environment?
