Central coast locals are being called on to help shape the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS) management and mountain biking plans for the Glenrock State Conservation Area (SCA).
Director of Hunter Central Coast for NPWS, Doug Beckers said the Service was calling for input on a new Draft Plan of Management and Draft Mountain Biking Plan for the SCA.
“Nestled on Newcastle’s urban fringes, the 550-hectare conservation area attracts more than one million visitors each year,” Mr Beckers said.
“Given the huge community interest, we’re looking forward to receiving feedback on the draft plans,” he said.
“This is about balance – we need to protect Glenrock’s cultural and natural values, while supporting recreational activities that are safe and don’t damage the environment.”
Mr Beckers said Glenrock SCA, in the traditional Country of the Awabakal people, was listed on the State Heritage Register and formed part of a rich cultural landscape cared for by Aboriginal families and groups for thousands of years.
He said it was also home to five threatened ecological communities, including littoral rainforest and 10 threatened animal species such as the squirrel glider.
“We propose to minimise impacts from the new network by using already disturbed areas wherever possible, such as easements and powerline corridors,” the Director said.
Mr Beckers said key highlights of the draft management plan, open until 6 February, included new and upgraded walking tracks, a new carpark and new cultural interpretation signs.
He said the draft mountain bike plan proposed the establishment of 21km of new trails and features, repurposing 7.6km of existing unauthorised trails and the closure of 30km of unauthorised trails.
NPWS’s two draft plans can be accessed at this PS News link.
