MUNIBUNG HILL CONCEPT PLAN Concept Plan to inform the Munibung Hill Management Plan
FINAL DRAFT Prepared by
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited on behalf of
Lake Macquarie City Council
Project Director: Project Manager: Technical Director: Report No. Date:
Malinda Facey Bridie McWhirter Pam Dean-Jones 21110/R05 October 2021
This report was prepared using Umwelt’s ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System.
Disclaimer This document has been prepared for the sole use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that for which it was supplied by Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd (Umwelt). No other party should rely on this document without the prior written consent of Umwelt. Umwelt undertakes no duty, nor accepts any responsibility, to any third party who may rely upon or use this document. Umwelt assumes no liability to a third party for any inaccuracies in or omissions to that information. Where this document indicates that information has been provided by third parties, Umwelt has made no independent verification of this information except as expressly stated.
©Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd Document Status Rev No.
Reviewer
Approved for Issue
Name
Date
Name
Date
1
Pam Dean-Jones
20 August 2021
Malinda Facey
20 August 2021
2
Pam Dean-Jones
7 September 2021
Malinda Facey
8 September 2021
Final Draft
Pam Dean-Jones
11 October 2021
Malinda Facey
11 October 2021
Table of Contents 1.0
2.0
Introduction
1
1.1
Overview
1
1.2
Concept Plan Preferred Option
5
Concept Plan
6
2.1
Concept Plan Overview
6
2.2
Uses Not Proposed Now
9
2.3
Conservation
10
2.4
Passive Recreation
11
2.5
Tracks
13
2.6
2.7
2.5.1
East West Corridor Track
15
2.5.2
Lucilla Ridge
15
2.5.3
Quarry Road Track
17
2.5.4
North South Ridge Track
17
Trailhead Locations
17
2.6.1
Eastern Trailhead
18
2.6.2
Quarry Road Access
19
Further Investigation
20
Study Area Development of the Munibung Hill Management Plan Concept Plan Important values of Munibung Hill Australian Walking Track Grading System
3 4 7 8 13
Some of the steep and eroded tracks on Munibung Hill Signage, Directional Markers and Step Examples Existing walking tracks in Munibung Hill to be developed as part of the Concept Plan Existing access to Track G off Blaxland Road Quarry Road, Speers Point Trailhead location and existing walking tracks
12 14 16 18 19
Figures Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3
Photos Photo 2.1 Photo 2.2 Photo 2.3 Photo 2.4 Photo 2.5
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1.0 Introduction 1.1
Overview
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (Umwelt) is assisting Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC or Council) to prepare a Management Plan for Munibung Hill. The Management Plan will provide guidance on access, future use and management actions to protect or enhance the values of Munibung Hill, over the next ten (10) years. The Study Area for Munibung Hill covers 331.2 hectares (ha) and includes 51 parcels of land owned by a mix of State and local government, corporate and private entities (refer to Figure 1.1). The overall Study Area includes an area wider than that to which the Concept Plan and Management Plan for the next ten years will apply. This is because significant constraints and/or uncertainty about access to some parts of the Study Area limited the area available for the Concept Plan. The areas where the Concept Plan and Management Plan apply and the other parts of the broader the Study Area are outlined below. Concept Plan and Management Plan Area: •
Land owned and managed by LMCC as Community Land or Operational Land. This land is the focus of the Concept Plan and Management Plan for the next ten years. It includes a narrow corridor of land along the main north south ridge crest of Munibung Hill, a parcel of land on the northern slopes and linear parcels of land to the east, which connect Munibung Hill to broader district level open space and active transport routes. The eastern land parcel is a key track head access point for Munibung Hill.
•
A land parcel owned by Munibung Hill Pty Limited. The part of this land that is currently zoned for conservation and subject to a vegetation management plan, is included in the Concept Plan and Management Plan Area. Several existing tracks cross this land, connecting Council owned land off Quarry Road to the north south ridge line.
•
Parcels of privately owned land that are currently zoned for conservation and are contiguous with Council land.
Other parts of the Study Area – not included in the Concept Plan and Management Plan Area: •
Land owned and managed by the NSW Waste Assets Management Corporation (WAMC) is not included in this Concept Plan and Management Plan for the next 10 years. This land is the parts of the former Pasminco and Incitec sites that have not been remediated. It includes Munibung Hill Reserve, Angophora inopina Reserve and the containment cell. Council will liaise with WAMC about future potential access through this land, subject to clarification of contamination risks and future roles and responsibilities.
•
Land owned by private developers and currently being developed for commercial or residential development. This land includes parts of the former Pasminco and Incitec sites. This land is not included in this Concept Plan and Management Plan for the next 10 years. Tenure, zoning, and detailed subdivision planning are progressing on this privately owned land. Council will continue to promote opportunities for access for public recreation within and from new estates.
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Introduction 1
The Concept Plan and the Munibung Hill Management Plan are informed by: •
Munibung Hill Site Context, Values and Constraints Report (Umwelt 2021a).
•
Munibung Hill Options Analysis (Umwelt 2021b).
•
A preliminary review of recreation and tourism opportunities.
•
Consultation with Council staff, including environmental, contamination, planning, heritage, and land management specialists.
•
Consultation with key stakeholders, including landowners, the Aboriginal community, and current users.
The process leading to the development of the Concept Plan and Management Plan is explained in Figure 1.2. The Concept Plan links potential land use options to specific parts of the public land that forms the Concept Plan area, recognising the values to be protected and promoted and the constraints to be managed.
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Introduction 2
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Image Source: Nearmap (April 2020) Data source: NSW DFSI (2021), LMCC (2021)
Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) Munibung Hill Pty Ltd Private NSW Waste Assets Management Corporation (WAMC)
FIGURE 1.1 Study Area
Figure 1.2 Development of the Munibung Hill Management Plan © Umwelt, 2021
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Introduction 4
1.2
Concept Plan Preferred Option
A preferred option for strategic direction of a Concept Plan for Munibung Hill was developed in the Munibung Hill Options Analysis (Umwelt 2021b). The Concept Plan is designed to protect the important natural and cultural values of Munibung Hill and to respond to the significant constraints affecting recreational use of Munibung Hill. These include steep and erodible terrain, contamination, and complex and evolving land tenure and land use context. The Concept Plan offers defined opportunities for safe passive recreation over the next 10 years. These are restricted to two access points and three specific track routes. Over this period, Council will also work with landholders and stakeholders to clarify the extent of constrains such as contamination and resolve uncertainties about roles, responsibilities and ongoing liabilities associated with providing public access to other parts of Munibung Hill.
The strategic direction for Munibung Hill in the next 5 to 10 years will focus on conservation and controlled local access for passive recreation. •
Engage with the Aboriginal community about protecting cultural values.
•
Engage with local residents and community groups.
•
Develop safe, stable, well managed tracks for passive recreation on Council land.
•
Manage risks associated with currently uncontrolled vehicle access, such as trail bikes.
•
Restore natural areas.
There is potential to progress to wider recreation opportunities and tourism in a natural setting. However further technical and feasibility studies are required, to resolve a number of issues such as safety, land tenure, and track construction and maintenance requirements for active recreation and for less independent recreational users. The Concept Plan proposes that these studies will progress while conservation works are implemented, and limited passive recreation access is formalised.
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Introduction 5
2.0 Concept Plan 2.1
Concept Plan Overview
The Concept Plan for Munibung Hill for the next 10 years involves conservation of significant natural and cultural values (refer to Section 2.3) in combination with strengthening defined opportunities for passive recreation (refer to Section 2.4) and controlling access for other recreational activities until risks can be clarified and resolved. Those areas of Munibung Hill where these uses will be developed and promoted are shown in Figure 2.1. The proposed recreation concept is consistent with the values, categorisation and zoning of public land on Munibung Hill and with currently feasible access options. Management of the Council Community Land for conservation is consistent with the categorisation of this land as natural area – bushland, in the city-wide 2011 Plan of Management for Community Land. Conservation management of the area shown in Figure 2.1 as ‘Management Area’ reflects land capability and by meeting the objectives of the E2 Conservation Lands zoning under the Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan 2014, provides for the protection and management of the important values of Munibung Hill (refer to Figure 2.2).
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Concept Plan 6
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Image Source: Nearmap (April 2020) Data source: NSW DFSI (2021), LMCC (2021), Lake Macquarie LEP (2014)
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Management Plan Area
" ) Potential Access Location
Passive Recreation Excluded Lands Further Investigation
FIGURE 2.1
Concept Plan
Most important values
Aboriginal cultural heritage
Biodiversity values threatened species and endangered ecological communities - particularly the critically endangered scrub turpentine.
Very important values Attachment of local community and history of local recreational access expectations, and current policy drivers.
Important values Central location. Subject to further consultation and detailed site assessment, there is potential for equitable access and recreational offerings suited to people with different levels of ability and from different parts of the City.
Other biodiversity values, including: canopy cover, ground cover, corridors, diversity of communities and habitats. Opportunities to contribute to the community's lifestyle and economic vision for the City.
Scenic value - elevated and vegetated landscape context of the city and views across the lake, city and to the ocean.
Historic heritage values - the story of the industrial history of the City and its residential and open space context/impacts.
Potential for active transport and recreational connectivity across the City.
Figure 2.2 Important values of Munibung Hill The Aboriginal cultural heritage and biodiversity values of Munibung Hill were identified as among the most important, based on scientific studies and listings and consultation with the local Aboriginal community, council and agency staff (see Umwelt 2021 a, b). Other biodiversity values identified as ‘important’ will also be protected and enhanced by a conservationbased approach to management. Conservation is the primary focus for future management of the significant Aboriginal cultural values, biodiversity values and scenic values of Munibung Hill. Over time, the conservation focus may be supported by interpretation and awareness raising, with any information about cultural values developed in conjunction with the Aboriginal community. The other two ‘most important’ values are the scenic outlook from the crest of Munibung Hill and conversely, its importance as part of the landscape context of Lake Macquarie; and the potential to enhance across city active transport connectivity with new walking or cycling routes. The conservation approach to management of the site supports the scenic value of Munibung Hill. It will facilitate access to scenic vantage points for walkers and will protect the vegetated ridgeline that Munibung Hill presents for viewers from the lake and suburban areas. The other ‘important’ values of Munibung Hill relate to local community access for recreation, equitable access to open space across the city, and particularly from the rapidly growing north-west corridor and the broad value of natural open spaces in Lake Macquarie, which help to define the city’s lifestyle.
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Concept Plan 8
A conservation-based approach, with clearly defined walking opportunities that can be accessed from local communities is consistent with these values. Opportunities for passive recreation are identified for existing tracks and areas cleared of native vegetation in the Management Area, in the first instance primarily on Council owned land. This includes tracks and vista points/lookouts, that are currently accessed by walkers around the perimeter of Munibung Hill.
2.2
Uses Not Proposed Now
While the more defined walking access that is proposed in the Concept Plan will enhance pedestrian access from Macquarie Hills to Speers Point (i.e. from east and north-east to the south), the Concept Plan does not strengthen north to south or east to west active transport opportunities. There is some potential for cycle routes over Munibung Hill to be developed in the future (beyond 10 years), but only if further investigations of constraints indicates that they are feasible. Council has already moved to improve north to south active transport access with shared pathway development from Speers Point to Glendale. It is not proposed that Munibung Hill will be made accessible for mountain bike riders over the ten-year life of the Concept Plan and Management Plan. There are three main reasons for this: •
The two proposed routes onto Munibung Hill for the next ten years have very steep sections that will require stairs and will not be suitable for bikes.
•
A parallel track for bikes would require significant additional disturbance, which is not consistent with the conservation focus or with the protection of Aboriginal cultural values.
•
Options for mountain bike activity on Munibung Hill require access along less steep route options from the north and west, and through potentially contaminated land owned by WAMC. Mountain bike activities on unsealed tracks tend to disturb and ground surface and throw up a lot of dust. Health risks need to be confirmed before these options could be opened for mountain bike track development.
It may be possible that mountain bike tracks could be developed on defined and previously disturbed areas of Munibung Hill beyond ten years, when the contamination, tenure and land management responsibilities have been resolved. However, it is important to note that there are multiple sites around Lake Macquarie that provide excellent and diverse alternative mountain biking opportunities. Similarly, development of additional recreation and or tourism uses on Munibung Hill, beyond this Concept Plan, is contingent upon formalising access suitable for more intensive use (for instance, vehicle access that would allow people of all abilities to access viewpoints on the ridge line) and the completion of feasibility studies to reduce uncertainty and clarify the risks associated with further recreation and for tourism activities. Feasibility studies will focus on opportunities for walking track extensions, additional district scale trailhead locations and possible areas for mountain biking (to traverse Munibung Hill or for mountain bike sport activity). Further tourism options will also be considered beyond ten years, when there is clearer evidence of demand and feasibility. Future investigation areas include a number of lots in the former Pasminco site, to provide formalised access from residential areas in the north-west and north of the Study Area. Other areas of future investigation include the area of the former quarry off Quarry Road, track extensions and additional district trailhead access locations. The constraints relating to physical characteristics of the land, appropriate access and land tenure need to be addressed for long term viability of these options.
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Concept Plan 9
2.3
Conservation
Conservation of Munibung Hill is already provided for in the existing land use zoning of the majority of the Study Area as E2 Environmental Conservation lands, under the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014, and the identification of Sensitive Aboriginal Landscape Area over the ridgelines and steep slopes of the area. The specific values to be protected by a conservation approach to land use and management include: •
Mapped Sensitive Aboriginal Cultural Landscape areas and known sites.
•
Native vegetation and the key ecological corridors providing connectivity to adjacent remnants.
•
The vegetated ridgeline extending from Munibung Road in the north through to the lake in the south; and the east and west ridgelines have significant visual, landscape and connectivity values.
•
Lowland Rainforest Threatened Ecological Community.
•
Threatened species habitat particularly associated with the critically endangered scrub turpentine (Rhodamnia rubescens), the powerful owl (Ninox strenua) and micro-bat roosting habitat.
•
Mapped biodiversity values land associated with riparian habitat values of Hawkins Creek.
•
Endemic species sanctuary.
•
Ecological connectivity.
Management would be focused on protection and enhancement of natural values and would include passive and active vegetation rehabilitation, weed management and soil conservation works to halt further erosion impacts. Working within the hierarchy of avoiding or minimising impacts and restoring or strengthening environmental values the management actions would focus on: •
Limiting passive recreational activity to existing trails and trailhead/access locations as shown in Figure 2.1.
•
Identifying the locations of features associated with the ‘most important’ and ‘important’ values (see Figure 2.2), such as rock shelter sites used by Aboriginal people and locations of threatened ecological communities or quality threatened species habitat, to ensure that these are avoided.
•
Minimising the extent of any additional disturbance and vegetation clearance that is required to upgrade and/or formalise the existing tracks and access locations.
•
Management of soil contamination risk associated with recreational activity and upgrade of any tracks.
•
Track stabilisation to not only minimise soil disturbance and erosion risk but to also improve safety of users.
•
Weed management and bush regeneration.
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Concept Plan 10
While many of these activities will involve some ground disturbing works, their aim is consistently to stabilise and reduce threats to environmental and conservation values. The nature of the terrain on Munibung Hill and the scale of work required to stabilise eroding slopes or remove invasive plant species mean that some controlled vehicle access will be required, to deliver materials such as timer and stone for step construction, and materials to stabilise sheet wash and deep rills on the ground surface around tracks. vehicle access is also required for emergencies and for fire management. There are existing access agreements for vehicles to provide maintenance to telecommunications towers located at two points on the ridge crest of Munibung Hill. Vehicle access controls are included in the Management Plan. Conservation provides opportunities for the involvement of residents through Landcare activities and provides opportunities for low key education about natural and cultural heritage values. Participants in these activities would access the area on foot. More details on these actions are provided in the Management Plan. It should be noted that the conservation area as shown in Figure 2.1 excludes some land parcels in the former Pasminco site. While they are currently zoned as E2 Environmental Conservation, they have been excluded from the Concept Plan and Management Plan pending further investigations by their landowners (refer to Section 1.1). This includes the Angophora inopina reserve in the far north of the Study Area (this reserve is owned and managed by WAMC) and also connection of the E2 Environmental Conservation zoned land in the ownership of Green Capital (refer to Figure 1.1) to Munibung Hill.
2.4
Passive Recreation
Informal recreational activities are popular for all ages. Passive recreational activities include walking for exercise or to explore and enjoy the natural environment, walking the dog, jogging, picnicking/BBQs and playgrounds. These passive recreation activities may be undertaken by individuals or by small groups. Passive recreation is usually independent recreation, although it may be organised by clubs or groups of friends. The main opportunities for passive recreation on Munibung Hill are focused on walking along existing tracks. It is not proposed to include playgrounds on Munibung Hill. Munibung Hill is traversed by a network of formal and informal walking tracks and vehicular trails which have been constructed to support past and current land use. The pedestrian tracks are unsealed gravel paths which vary in width and length. They have steep sections, with loose surface gravel and are often highly eroded with deep rills on and adjacent to the track (refer to Photo 2.1). The tracks are not compliant with the Australian Standards and guidelines for pedestrian tracks in natural areas or parks nor the LMCC engineering guidelines. Some existing pedestrian tracks are also likely to traverse private land with access largely uncontrolled. Existing vehicle trails on Munibung Hill include service and fire trails within the former Pasminco land holding. These provide access to air quality monitoring sites and access for WAMC personnel for other contamination testing, weed management and fire hazard control. One trail through WAMC land and a second through land owned by Munibung Hill Pty Limited provide access for intermittent service of telecommunication towers at two locations along the main north south ridgeline (locations are shown in Figure 2.1). These trails are not intended to provide vehicle access for the public. They are narrow and steep, suitable for infrequent and controlled vehicle use.
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Concept Plan 11
Photo 2.1a Ridge Crest
Photo 2.1b Track along northern ridge
Photo 2.1c Upper part of main access track from Lucilla Ridge
Photo 2.1 Some of the steep and eroded tracks on Munibung Hill
The Concept Plan seeks to promote passive recreation through: •
Formalising and track upgrades of selected existing tracks to provide for safe passive recreation on defined routes (refer to Figure 2.1).
•
Formalising two ‘district level’ trailhead sites that would provide off street parking. Local pedestrian access from the residential areas of Macquarie Hills and Speers Point would be maintained, connecting to the tracks from the trailhead sites. Parking in narrow suburban streets will not be encouraged.
Over the ten-year life of this Concept Plan and the Management Plan, Council will upgrade only the specific tracks shown in Figure 2.1. These tracks are primarily on Council owned and managed land, but the southern track crosses land owned by Munibung Hill Pty Limited which is currently zoned for conservation. Council is not responsible for use of private land on Munibung Hill, except in relation to compliance with zoning or development consent requirements.
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Concept Plan 12
2.5
Tracks
The Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) identifies five levels of tracks as show in Figure 2.3.
Grade 1 is suitable for the disabled with assistance
Grade 2 is suitable for families with young children
Grade 3 is recommended for people with some bushwalking experience
Grade 4 is recommended for experienced bushwalkers
Grade 5 is for very experienced bushwalkers
Figure 2.3 Australian Walking Track Grading System
Although they are used by some families with children, the majority of the existing walking tracks on Munibung Hill are Grade 3 to 4 walking tracks. The tracks have an earthen surface, with some sections eroded to uneven rock, and short sections with some coarse gravel surfacing. The tracks that link suburban areas to the ridge crest have very steep grades (at least 1:3 in places). They are generally rough formations with intrusions, obstacles, and loose slippery gravel. This is not surprising as they have generally been formed ad hoc and/or were previously informal vehicle trails associated with former land uses, that have become overgrown, or were illegal trail bike trails. The Concept Plan proposes formalising access and track upgrades of a select number of existing tracks. This requires negotiations with a select number of landowners to provide legal and improved standard of tracks for pedestrians and access for conservation activities. Tracks on Council owned land will be prioritized and in order of upgrade include (refer Figure 2.1): •
Existing east west corridor track (Track G), accessed from Blaxland Road and Lakelands.
•
Existing pedestrian track from Lucilla Ridge (Track F).
•
Existing track from Quarry Road (Track E).
•
Track A the main North South Ridge track between the northern and southern towers.
The Concept Plan is that the tracks would be upgraded to stabilize eroding surfaces and reduce risks of slips; steps and railings would be installed on some of the steepest sections; however, the tracks would continue to be Grade 3 to Grade 4 walking tracks as described in the AWTGS. This is a significant capital and maintenance investment by Council to enhance walker safety and experiences, and to enhance stability and environment protection on Munibung Hill. Indicative costs for on ground works are included in the Management Plan. In summary, Grade 3 tracks are suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but some bush walking experience is suggested. The tracks are well formed and marked, earthen tracks but may have short steep sections, steps, and uneven ground. Grade 3 tracks have track head signage and route markers at intersections.
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Some sections of Grade 4 track are expected to be retained. Grade 4 tracks will include rough ground with obstacles and limited signage. Grade 4 tracks may have very steep sections and are suggested for people with bush walking experience and a reasonable level of fitness. The Concept Plan includes use of signage, directional markers, and steps where feasible. Photo 2.2 below illustrates signage and the type of structures and track surfaces that may be encountered on Grade 3 and 4 tracks.
Photo 2.2 Signage, Directional Markers and Step Examples
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2.5.1
East West Corridor Track
East West Corridor Track (Track G) is located between residential areas of Macquarie Hills and Lakelands. There are multiple track formations (refer to Photo 2.3a) including some from the rear of private residences. The main pedestrian access is from either Blaxland Road Macquarie Hills or Ambleside Circuit (refer to Figure 2.1). There is local access to Track G from Grasmere Way and Kanangra Street in Warners Bay via an elevated metal walkway and formed pedestrian pathway (refer to Photo 2.3b) and there is also access directly off Macquarie Road in the east (refer to Photo 2.3c). The track system extends from Macquarie Road to the main North South Ridge track. The tracks are located wholly on Council owned land 171 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay (Lot 672 DP805546) and 179 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay (Lot 5410 DP807486). These lots are recognised as asset protection zones in the current Central Coast Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (ccbfmc.org). Access for bushfire management would need to continue to be provided through the locked gates off Blaxland Road and Macquarie Road.
2.5.2
Lucilla Ridge
The pedestrian track from Lucilla Ridge (Track F) provides access to the main North South Ridge track. It is a steep eroded track with multiple tracks formed near the ridge (refer to Photo 2.3d). The track from Lucilla Ridge meets the East West Corridor Track to the east of the main ridge. There is an existing local formal pedestrian access off Lucilla Ridge, Munibung Hill (refer to Photo 2.3e) through Council owned land at 25C Lucilla Ridge Macquarie Hills (Lot 330 DP1162784) then through Council operational land at 65A Lawson Road (Lot 31 DP879071). Lucilla Ridge is a narrow one-way road system with little to no on road parking and no off road parking. The Concept Plan does not include development of trailhead facilities, but local pedestrian access would continue to be available. The existing track rear the ridgeline is badly eroded (Photo 2.3d), with deep rills and exposed rough rock from the subsoil. This is a safety risk for users and requires stabilisation. Because of the steep slope it is preferable that some seating is provided adjacent to the track.
Photo 2.3a Walking track G through 179 Macquarie Road
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Photo 2.3b Elevated walkway accessed from Grasmere Way and Kanangra Street Warners Bay
Concept Plan 15
Photo 2.3c Existing access off Macquarie Road
Photo 2.3d Erosion on east west corridor track just below the main North South Ridge trail and towers
Photo 2.3e Trailhead to Lucilla Ridge Track, Macquarie Hills
Photo 2.3f Track adjacent to the northern telecommunication towers, at the top of the access from Lucilla Ridge
Photo 2.3g Looking south along the North South Ridge track Photo 2.3h Southern end of the North South Ridge track
Photo 2.3 Existing walking tracks in Munibung Hill to be developed as part of the Concept Plan
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2.5.3
Quarry Road Track
At the end of Quarry Road, Speers Point there is an existing sealed vehicular track, a legacy of previous quarry operations, which extends around to the side of the quarry face where it then reverts to an unsealed narrow pedestrian track. The walking track (Track E) connects to the main North South Ridge track (Track A) to the east of the old quarry (refer to Figure 2.1). While the track starts in Council owned land (1A Quarry Road (Lot 1 DP335551) and 10A Hopkins Street (Lot 21 DP804331)), connection to the main North South Ridge track is through Part 1A Raymond Street (Lot 21 DP790637) which is owned by Munibung Hill Pty Limited. This track has been previously identified as a major public access track, pending acquisition or an easement. It also lends itself to future development of more passive recreation tracks through the south of the Study Area. Sections of the track provide opportunities for vista point/lookouts over the waters of Lake Macquarie. There is also opportunity to connect this track with The Great North Walk which follows The Esplanade around the lake (refer to Figure 2.1). Development of this track also requires consideration of safety concerns and geo-technical hazards associated with the old quarry face. Measures to address safety risks are included in the Management Plan and will be a focus of future detailed design. The end of Quarry Road is a narrow residential street with minimal on road parking opportunities. There is however potential for off road parking in 1A Quarry Road (see Section 2.6.2).
2.5.4
North South Ridge Track
The North South Ridge Track (Track A) follows the main ridgeline of Munibung Hill. The track includes sections of vehicle track and pedestrian tracks between the telecommunication towers in the north and south of the ridge. This track provides opportunities for provision of vista points and/or lookouts (refer to Photo 2.3g). These would be developed in consultation with Local Aboriginal communities and would need to consider potential contamination of surface soils. Formalising access to this track to enable public access would require negotiations with a number of property owners. The Council owned land along the ridge crest is a narrow strip and the track is on the shared boundary with (or potentially within) land owned or managed by WAMC (Lot 51 DP1229360) and Munibung Hill Pty Limited (Lot 21 DP790637). Another consideration would be the ongoing provision of access for service vehicles to the telecommunication structures at the northern and southern ends of the track as shown in Figure 2.1.
2.6
Trailhead Locations
Informal pedestrian access to Munibung Hill is available from several locations along local tracks and between vehicular trails. While there is pedestrian access from the local residential areas, there is very limited parking for people travelling from elsewhere in the City or from the lower Hunter. There are currently no facilities at any of the existing access points.
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A review of potential locations for ‘district level’ access points or trailheads identified two priority sites to be developed, subject to design and environmental impact assessment. These are: •
Off Blaxland Road (Site 8A on Figure 2.1) providing access to Track G.
•
Off Quarry Road, Speers Point (Location 11 on Figure 2.1).
Both sites are on Council owned land.
2.6.1
Eastern Trailhead
As noted in Section 2.5.1, there is no off-road access to the East West Corridor Track. There is existing access to Track G from Blaxland Road, Macquarie Hills (refer to Photo 2.4) and Ambleside Road, Warners Bay. The Concept Plan had identified that there is potential for off road parking for a small number of vehicles in Council owned land in 171 Macquarie Road (Lot 672 DP805546) identified as 8A in Figure 2.1.
Photo 2.4 Existing access to Track G off Blaxland Road This is likely to require some vegetation clearance and would require consultation with local Aboriginal groups and an environmental impact assessment.
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2.6.2
Quarry Road Access
A trailhead facility from the end of Quarry Road, Speers Point (Photo 2.5a) would provide access to the south-west of the Study Area. The trailhead would be located on Council owned land (1A Quarry Road (Lot 1 DP335551)) and would provide access to the Quarry Road Track (Track E) to connect with the North South Ridge track (Track A).
Photo 2.5a
Existing access off Quarry Road
Photo 2.5c Quarry face with walking track on the quarry floor
Photo 2.5b Existing access to the west of the quarry face (Track E)
Photo 2.5 Quarry Road, Speers Point Trailhead location and existing walking tracks
There was a small car park just off the road and there is space within the existing disturbed area for limited parking. Other considerations are geo-technical hazards and safety hazards from the previous quarrying operation and final landform.
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2.7
Further Investigation
As noted in Section 2.2, the Concept Plan identifies areas where future access points and tracks may be developed, subject to detailed technical and feasibility studies and consultation with landowners to reduce uncertainty, formalize land tenure to support access arrangements and clarify the risks associated with additional conservation and passive recreation opportunities. These opportunities may include additional walking tracks and district trailhead access locations. This may include trailhead locations in the north of the Study Area to service the North West Catalyst Area and also residential development in the former Hawkins Quarry in Speers Point and in the former Pasminco and Incitec Pivot sites in Boolaroo. Conservation areas may include inclusion of the Angophora inopina reserve and Munibung Hill Reserve or part thereof, e.g. the upper slopes. Both of these lots are owned and managed by WAMC and inclusion in the Concept Plan would be subject to negotiation with WAMC. Integral to including these two reserves in the Management Plan area will be identification and inclusion of a corridor linking the Angophora inopina reserve to Munibung Hill.
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