Unionist and environmentalists come together to discuss Destination Pagoda

Unionists and environmentalists joined forces on Sunday to discuss the potential tourist site and how access to the area could be improved.

The Destination Pagoda plan calls for the region to be declared a state conservation area in order to protect its pagodas and swamps and permit underground coal mining at the same time.

The plan - created by the Colong Foundation, Blue Mountains Conservation Society and Lithgow Environment Group - focuses on the state forest areas of: Ben Bullen, Wolgan, Newnes and the Maiyingu Marragu Aboriginal Place.

Environmentalist Jenine Kitson said if this world-class destination was a state conservation area, the surface would be protected while allowing for responsible underground mining to continue.

"It would conserve significant pagoda landscapes, rare swamps and Aboriginal heritage," she said.

Ms Kitson said it would help Lithgow be recognised as a major tourist destination similar to Katoomba.

"Katoomba has the Three Sisters, while we have 3000 sisters," she said.

Colong Foundation member Keith Muir said Lithgow had been doing it tough recently.

"Its natural for the community to double down on traditions of mining and energy production in the face of uncertainty," he said.

"Destination Pagoda, in a very small way, is a first step for Lithgow along the road we must travel to a future beyond coal.

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"There is no time to waste in the development of an alternative economy for the town and Destination Pagoda can be part of that economy."

Mr Muir said he could think of no place in Sydney that connected three different values like Lithgow does.

"There is something for everyone here, those who are interested in heritage or industrial work or Aboriginal connections could visit and find something they enjoyed," he said.

Mr Muir said the initiative could provide around 100 jobs.

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"Having it become a state conservation area is an exciting prospect, it does mean there would be trail bikes allowed and 4WD, but no hunting," he said.

Lithgow resident Phil Hine attended the day and said he was curious to know more about the Destination Pagoda plans.

"I had some questions that I wanted answered and I didn't really get a straight answer but that's not surprising," he said.

"I've grown up here and have explored all throughout the region from when I was young, so I am not sure how I feel about them wanting to turn it into a tourist destination," he said.

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"Part of the joy of the area is going to explore it yourself and not having to follow the path.

"I can understand them wanting to protect the environment, but aside from 4WD damage it is actually alright."

Lithgow Environment Group said the proposal was unique and could help encourage tourists to the region.

They are currently running two petitions asking for support that will be delivered to Lithgow City Council and Bathurst MP Paul Toole.

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