Table 3.2 Munibung Hill Key Values Table 3.3 Summary of Constraints Affecting Decisions about Potential Conservation,

The Munibung Hill Management Plan is a strategic plan for Council and is linked to several of Council’s key Strategic Plans, including:

• Parks and Play Strategy

• Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan

• Destination Management Plan

• Heritage Plan.

There is also a strategic connection from the Munibung Hill Management Plan, through Council’s Precinct Plan for the Pasminco/Munibung Hill area, the Glendale Developer Contributions Plan for the North West Growth Area and the Local Strategic Planning Statement which identifies where growth in recreational demand will be strongest.

3.5.2 Land Ownership and Use

The diverse land ownership across Munibung Hill adds a level of complexity to any initiative that will cross multiple owners’ land. Complex land ownership can constrain use as compliance with different planning and assessment requirements that apply to different land types will add further complexity.

Some tracks and access points traverse private land. Multiple landholders are involved with the planning and approval process as mentioned in Section 1.3. Future management directions will be constrained by the cooperation of these landholders. Access points currently on private land do not provide inclusive access. Information gathered from community engagement states that the current track and access situations often deters possible visitors as they are either unaware the tracks exist or unclear where access is legal. Agreements such as leases or easements will be required to address the constraint of land ownership on the future use of Munibung Hill.

The Management Plan focuses on land that is owned by Council for proposed access points. However, the track from the Quarry Road access point crosses land owned by Munibung Hill Pty Limited.

3.6 Summary Values and Management Issues

Table 3.2 summarises the most important values of Munibung Hill.

Table 3.2 Munibung Hill Key Values

Key Value Description Natural Landscape

Munibung Hill provides an important natural landscape for native flora and fauna play a vital role for the conservation of threatened species. Munibung Hill provides a unique opportunity to experience a pocket of ‘natural’ land with picturesque views of Lake Macquarie and surrounds.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Munibung Hill’s high scenic and natural values provides a unique recreational opportunity for the Lake Macquarie community and beyond. Community access to green open spaces close to residential areas is an important aspect for a healthy lifestyle and Munibung Hill aims to create an accessible space for all of the community.

Community and Culture

Munibung Hill area has extremely high Aboriginal cultural value. Munibung Hill represents a unique opportunity to educate members of the community of the cultural significance of the area while they enjoy the experience and create a connected community.

3.6.1 Constraints and management issues

The values identified in Sections 3.1 to 3.5 also highlight issues that need to be managed so that enhanced recreational access is balanced with robust environmental protection and appropriate risk management. This is consistent with the guidance provided by Council’s ESSAP which promotes a sustainable balance between environmental, social and economic elements.

Table 3.3 provides an overview of the management constraints and issues for integrated conservation and recreation uses on Munibung Hill.

Together with values and opportunities, these issues and constraints drive the actions in the Management Plan.

Strategies and actions to address the management issues are discussed in Section 4.0.