The serious mental health challenges facing our community have rightly received growing attention.

Another aspect of mental health that warrants attention is the environment in which we live. There is a growing body of research that recognises the importance of spending time in natural environments for mental health. Urban forests and green space provide respite from the constant demands of everyday life and the relentless stimulation of urban environments.  They can help reduce stress and mental fatigue and restore our capacity for attention.

This is another good reason to protect Link Road Forest as a national park. A large native forest accessible to communities across the Lower Hunter would offer opportunities for walking and exercise, as well as a place for quiet, reflection and restorative contact with nature.

As our cities grow in size and density and daily life becomes more demanding, access to nature must be fundamental to strategic planning, not treated as an optional extra. Urban forests are essential to liveable cities and community mental health and wellbeing.

Of course, access to nature is no substitute for appropriate mental health care.  However, protecting places such as Link Road Forest can help create a healthier urban environment for everyone.

Protecting Link Road Forest will not solve all our mental health challenges, but retaining a large forest accessible to thousands is a practical investment in the wellbeing of current and future generations.