Lithgow Council confirm camping area is Crown Land and they are not responsible for Turon River maintenance

Members of Palmers Oaky Upper Turon Landcare group recently spoke to the Lithgow Mercury and raised their concerns of four-wheel drivers causing damage to the river.

According to Palmers Oaky Upper Turon Landcare group coordinator Robert Green, the area that needs to be blocked off from four-wheel drivers is from Lyrebird gate on Palmers Oaky Road, through to the corner of Sunny Side property.

"We need something to stop access along that stretch," he said.

"We don't want to stop people from walking in, just driving. We need fencing of some sort that still allows people in by foot."

The Landcare group have reached out to Lithgow City Council asking for a barrier to be put into place as well as the installation of garbage bins, fire pits and barbecues, in the reserve for public recreation and resting ground. The camping area is located halfway to Bingle Tree.

Lithgow City Council director infrastructure services Jonathon Edgecombe however confirmed that the camping area was Crown Land.

"It is therefore outside of the care and control of Lithgow City Council.

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"The remaining land in the vicinity of Palmers Oaky Road is owned and therefore the responsibility of either National Parks and Wildlife Services, Crown Lands or is privately owned," he said.

Mr Edgecombe said while he understands the request and concerns of the Landcare members, Council was not in a position to assist.

"The only advertised camp ground that Council manages is Lake Wallace," he said.

He also said even if Council could assist, there was no available funding to install facilities in the public recreation area.

"Council's resources are currently stretched to the limit maintaining essential public assets such as roads, water and sewer infrastructure, in a COVID-19 environment," he said.

The Lithgow Mercury also reached out to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) where a spokesperson stated it was not their responsibility as it isn't an organisation or business polluting the river.

So whose responsibility is it?

The Lithgow Mercury have reached out to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services and Crown Lands and await a reply.

We will continue to report on the issue until we find out who is responsible for the maintenance of the Turon River.

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