by GregG » Fri 08 May, 2020 1:58 pm
Wollindilly Council have just put forward a proposal for a 316km walking route which will join Mittagong, Yerranderie, Katoomba, Warragamba, Oakdale and back along the Natti. Blue Mountains Council is also backing the proposal. It sounds like most if not all of this route will be on existing fire trails, some of which pass through prohibited areas of Warragamba catchment and also through declared wilderness areas, so there will be obstacles to be ironed out before the proposal becomes a reality. The hype coming out of both councils so far talks-up the number of jobs that will be created, economic benefit to local businesses, opportunities for group guided tours, showcasing the natural wonders of the area. OK, I know this is only in its preliminary phase but this proposal is already ringing alarm bells for me, mainly in regard to the extent of amenity construction that will occur and the kinds of "economic" development opportunities that might follow. In saying this I am particularly conscious of what has happened in Tasmania where wilderness experience has been turned into a commodity to be sold to those with with money to afford it ( a quick in/out, someone else carries all your gear, lobster and chardonnay for lunch, take a few selfies, tick the bucket list, be a legend in your own mind). But thats just my point of view, no doubt I'm looking at it all wrong.