28 April 1879 - Almost 20000 acres 14 miles south of Sydney have been set aside as a National Park by Sir John Robertson for the use of the public ‘forever’. This remarkable decision follows another such dedication in the United States for the area known as Yellowstone Park seven years ago. Last Saturday’s dedication has appeased citizens groups who have been agitating for more public parks for much of the past decade.
Sir John, as instigator of the move, will be chairman of the park’s trust. It is envisaged that the park will be a place to acclimatise introduced species and will become a spot for private summer cottages. The government also intends to use the vast park for military exercises.