Arakwal National Park

Park management activities

Preserving biodiversity

Arakwal National Park contains a mosaic of environments, and is home to both threatened and endangered native plants and animals. The knowledge passed from the Byron Bay Arakwal People is integrated with scientific information for best practice conservation of native plants and animals, to ensure cultural considerations are taken into account, and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge.

Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats

Pests and weeds have a significant impact to the ecosystems within Arakwal National Park. Risk assessments for new and emerging weeds are carried out as an ongoing initiative within the park. Pest management of bitou bush and other weeds is a priority and an important part of the work NPWS does to protect the integrity of biodiversity which exists within Arakwal National Park.

Conserving Aboriginal culture

The Byron Bay Arakwal People are recognised as the traditional owners of Country that includes Arakwal National Park. As the traditional owners, their role in looking after the lands, waters and plants and animals of Country has always been and will always be their responsibility. They have chosen to exercise this responsibility in partnership with the NPWS under joint management arrangements for the park.

Managing fire

NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world as a result of our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.