The Blue Mountains Conservation Society has launched the first in a series of short videos highlighting the importance of Radiata Plateau (Mt Elphinstone) in Katoomba to the community as well as among bushwalkers and rock climbers.
Last year the NSW Land and Environment Court refused two dwellings on the plateau, but approved one on Pulpit Hill Rd, from which Radiata Plateau is accessed.
The conservation society and residents have been fighting for a long time against development to protect the plateau, which is mostly privately owned.
Last year the society launched ‘Leave Radiata Plateau Wild’ campaign to encourage the purchase of the plateau by either the state or Commonwealth governments for inclusion in the Blue Mountains National Park.
“Leave Radiata Plateau Wild has garnered broad support and captured the interest of local, state and federal politicians but still needs ongoing support locally to ensure a successful outcome,” said Blue Mountains Conservation Society president Madi Maclean.
“At the community rally at Cahill’s Lookout last year, the mayor Mark Greenhill expressed the council’s commitment and subsequently passed a resolution unanimously supporting it becoming part of the national park,” she said.
“The community and broader conservation movement is advocating for public ownership, as are Trish Doyle MP and Susan Templeman MP. We have also briefed the Hon. Tony Burke MP, Commonwealth Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water too.”
In the video, resident Rodney Mathew talks about the peaceful, serenity of the plateau and abundant wildlife, and rock climber Emil Mandyczewsky explains the plateau is home to some of the best rock climbing in Australia, including some of the highest graded climbs in the country.
