The Blue Mountains Conservation Society is urging the community to take action to lobby the NSW Government to purchase Radiata Plateau for inclusion in the national parks system.
"The society has been swamped with inquiries from members of the public, both locally and across NSW, about what they can do to protect the plateau now it is up for sale," said society president, Lachlan Garland.
More than 50 concerned community members and local residents gathered at the entrance of the Plateau last week to show their support for the campaign to "Leave Radiata Plateau Wild". Cr Romola Hollywood, who attended the gathering, said that Blue Mountains council has consistently supported the campaign. All councillors voted in August 2017 to ask the NSW Government to buy the plateau for inclusion in the national parks system.
"We are asking the community to urgently send letters to Matt Kean, NSW Minister for the Environment, asking him to intervene and prioritise purchase of Radiata Plateau," Mr Garland said. "Residents and community members can go the to the society website at bluemountains.org.au, download a suggested form letter and add their personal message.
"We need to send a clear and resounding message to the minister - buy the plateau now. The more letters sent the better. Our goal is 500 letters sent in the next 20 days," he said.
"Community action is urgently needed - the plateau is on the open market and the vendor's preference is to sell to the NSW Government for the area to be reserved for conservation and public access. This may be the last chance to acquire the plateau."
Radiata Plateau includes nationally listed endangered species and ecological communities, including Blue Mountains swamps. The property also includes a state significant heritage site, "Blacks Ladder", an indication of its cultural value to the Aboriginal community. The plateau is widely used by the community, as well as bushwalkers and rock climbers, and it is feared new owners will stop public access.
"We have been in contact with Minister Kean's office and we are hopeful of a meeting with the minister shortly," Mr Garland said.