The positive nature of their meeting on the future of Killalea State Park, held with the Ministers responsible, has been welcomed by members of the Save Killalea Alliance and the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward.

The discussions centred on what would be involved in having Killalea transferred from Crown Lands (under Minister Pavey) to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (under Minister Kean), as either a State Conservation Area or a Regional Park.

Since 2016, Killalea has been managed by Reflections Holiday Parks, a not-for-profit, self-funding Crown Land manager.

Its development proposal for the site has met strong opposition from locals who do not wish to see the Park commercialised and have been critical of the lack of consultation.

"Although we are quietly confident, rest assured the committee and the community will remain vigilant until Killalea is properly protected," says a statement on the meeting by the Alliance.

Members of the Alliance were heartened by the news that Minister Keen had recently visited Killalea and appreciated why they were trying to save it.

"Neither he nor Minister Pavey were able to give a firm commitment that the transition would occur or any possible timeline. However, the message taken away by committee members was cautiously optimistic that such a transition will occur," says their statement.

"Another positive aspect of the discussions was that Minister Pavey was able to reassure us that Reflections would not be doing anything significant and irreversible during the current uncertain times."

Earlier in the year, Mr Ward wrote to both Ministers arguing that in order to protect this asset in perpetuity, the asset should be moved from Reflections Holiday Parks to NSW National Parks.

Mr Ward says, "At the meeting, both Ministers agreed to work with me to pursue the transfer of the park from the NSW Lands portfolio to NSW National Parks.

"This park is very much the lungs of the southern Illawarra. It has enormous environmental, cultural and tourism significance.

"As part of further discussions with the NSW Government, I will be seeking to ensure that any future model involves greater community input to ensure interests groups and stakeholders have their views heard and respected. This includes further improvements to the park such as the campsite and investments that provide greater access for people with disabilities."