Forestry Corporation thanks visitors for respecting the Allyn River
Lush natural swimming holes and beautiful weather saw around 6,000 visitors flocking to the Allyn River in Chichester State Forest over the four weeks from New Year’s Eve to Australia Day.
Acknowledging the boost to the local economy that forest visitors generate, Dr Cameron Archer from Dungog Regional Tourism thanked Forestry Corporation of NSW and NSW Police in making the area a fun and safe spot for locals and holidaymakers to enjoy.
“I was pleased to learn of the success in the management of the Upper Allyn camping over the busy period. On behalf of Dungog Regional Tourism, I wish to especially thank Forestry Corporation for their absolute commitment to supporting tourism in the area and the ready assistance of the Police Service,” Dr Archer said.
Forestry Corporation and NSW Police teamed up over the summer months, dedicating additional resources to ensure the forest remains a clean and family friendly tourism destination, reminding people to play by the rules during ‘blitz’ weekends and providing upgraded camping facilities at the forest.
NSW Police have also been conducting random breath testing to keep local roads safe.
“We welcome many visitors from along the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle and it’s important that our visitors arrive and get home safely,” said Mr Mike Hill, Forestry Corporation’s Partnerships Leader.
Mr Hill expressed his gratitude to NSW Police for their continued support in creating an enjoyable forest experience for locals and visitors alike.
“We really appreciate the assistance we’ve received from NSW Police over the busiest part of the summer and we’re pleased with visitor behaviour on the whole,” he said.
“We’ve been impressed with the behaviour of people who have come to enjoy the forest and the great swimming weather. We did experience one unfortunate incident, involving some damage to locks on our bollards, which his is now a police matter.”
Planning ahead for the Easter long weekend, Mr Hill said he expects to see another surge of visitors to Chichester State Forest and its free camping and swimming areas.
Forestry Corporation and NSW Police will be conducting another ‘blitz’ over Easter to prevent anti-social behaviour and maintain the vision of a family-friendly Allyn River. Visitors will be reminded to drive safely, camp in designated areas, keep glass out of the river and be respectful to other visitors and forest neighbours so everyone can enjoy their forest experience.
Mr Hill said, “It’s a beautiful part of the world. We want everyone to be able to experience it and we are thankful that the majority of our visitors are keen to help us keep the area safe, clean and enjoyable for all in the future.”
Visit http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit for more information about New South Wales State forests.
Media contact: Amanda McLeod 0408 779 903 | 02 9407 4265