Urunga Visitor Centre is closed for refurbishment, with plans to reopen in early December, rebadged as the Great Koala National Park Information and Visitors Centre.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After being council-operated for 20 years, the visitor centre became The Rosella Info Café in 2017 but that enterprise folded, and Bellingen Shire Council's efforts to find a replacement tenant were unsuccessful.
Council has entered into a new lease arrangement with the Great Koala National Park team, who are auspiced by lead partner, NSW National Parks Association.
New coordinator Kevin Evans preferred not to discuss the commercial-in-confidence details but council responded to a query from the Courier-Sun by saying that the arrangement "delivers the best possible outcome for our local environment and economy".
"The lessee is paying a peppercorn rent as they are responsible under the terms of the lease to provide visitor information services 24 hours a week as well as performing other operational duties that council would otherwise be responsible for.
"The new tenancy allows council to minimise its previous operational and maintenance costs and minimises the risk of graffiti or vandalism that an otherwise vacant facility may attract."
Council added that it expected the centre would attract more tourists to the shire and promote opportunities for nature-based tourism initiatives.
Members of the newly formed Great Koala National Park Information and Visitors Centre Management Committee have met with current volunteers of the Urunga Visitor Information Centre to introduce themselves and explain plans to revitalise and rebadge the centre.
The new centre will provide information about the GKNP proposal as well as continuing to offer tourist information for the NSW North Coast.
It will feature a theatrette, activity space and a Great Koala National Park display. There will be GKNP merchandise on sale and a small café offering coffee and refreshments.
"We intend the centre to become a destination rather than solely an information centre that passers-by drop in to and we expect benefits to local communities and businesses from the increased visitor numbers," Kevin Evans said.
Volunteer Coordinator Judy Readman acknowledged the wonderful work the volunteers have undertaken to keep the doors open and information available to centre visitors.
"The volunteers have a wealth of knowledge and experience at the centre and we hope they will join us along with newly recruited volunteers on this exciting journey," she said.
