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.