OFF-ROAD GOLDMINE

CENTRAL WEST 4WD PARK OPENS.

THE Da-approved Central West 4WD Park in NSW has opened its gates. The 1500-acre property, owned by dedicated off-roaders Jamie and Julie Smith, is located at Hill End Road, Avisford/hargraves, just north of Mudgee and around 3.5 hours from Sydney. The park contains more than 50 off-road tracks of varying difficulty. The property also has plenty of camping areas, including some magic sites right on the banks of the Meroo River.

Gaining Development Application (DA) approval wasn’t easy and required a massive commitment on Jamie and Julie’s part. The couple invested a huge amount of effort to ensure the park met all the necessary application requirements and satisfied council regulations. Their initial application was made back in 2014.

The property’s gold-mining history was another argument for Jamie to use it as a recreational park. He then had to get an ecological report, sort a new access road and develop a bushfire plan.

The park has only been open for just over a month, but the Smiths are already fielding considerable interest from 4WD clubs, families and media. It’s currently only open from Friday to Sunday, but if there’s interest, the park will also open on school holidays.

Two council representatives helped with planning, while the couple’s daughters, Jessica and Jacinta, helped establish the park. On All 4s 4WD Club and Dubbo 4WD Club also assisted. See www.centralwest4wdpark.com.au.