Visitors to Arakoon National Park on the Macleay Valley Coast will soon have new picnic, toilet and kiosk facilities with three major building renovations underway.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hastings Macleay Area Manager Shane Robinson said a new picnic shelter at Little Bay is expected to be completed by the end of June.
"The old picnic shelter shed is being replaced after sections of its roof succumbed to concrete cancer after continuous exposure to the harsh coastal environment," Mr Robinson said.
"The toilet block at Little Bay will also be replaced.
"Several repairs had been made to the structure, but the roof has deteriorated from concrete cancer and the toilet block was also deemed unsafe to use," he said.
A major renovation is also underway at the nearby Trial Bay Kiosk adjacent to the popular Trial Bay Gaol campground.
"Initial works include removing asbestos roofing and replacing it with a new Colourbond roof," Mr Robinson said.
"Construction over the next few months will see a new single level verandah added to the kiosk, and bi-fold windows installed to aid ventilation and views.
"The upgraded kiosk building will improve visitor access from the carpark into the building and improve toilets to disability standards, interior painting, enhanced kitchen infrastructure and landscape works," he said.
The Trial Bay Kiosk will re-open in late August.
NPWS has also commenced planning for the implementation of the Macleay Coast Destination project over the next five years to improve the visitor experience at the popular Trial Bay and Little Bay precincts.
The NSW Government has allocated $6.7 million to the Macleay Coast Destination project to significantly improve the Trial Bay and Little Bay precincts, helping to boost the regional visitor economy and contribute to community well-being.
The upgrade project will commence in 2022/23 and will be delivered in stages, with completion in 2027. The project will address aging infrastructure and increase the appeal of the park for visitors and the local community
These plans include:
- The development of new visitor infrastructure at the Trial Bay campground including walking tracks, picnic shelters and upgraded access roads, amenities and campsites;
- Additional visitor facilities for beach access along Trial Bay.
"At Little Bay, enhanced facilities and new family-friendly walking and bike paths will reinvigorate this cherished precinct as a favoured location for family gatherings," Mr Robinson said.
A review of the plans of management for Arakoon and Hat Head National Parks has also commenced.
"NPWS is committed to engaging with stakeholders and interested community members in a meaningful and timely way, to plan and deliver the Macleay Coast Destination upgrades and new plans of management for Arakoon and Hat Head national parks," Mr Robinson said.
To register your interest, get updates and have your say in the Macleay Coast Destination project, visit: Macleay Coast Destination webpage
For enquiries about the Plans of Management for Hat Head and Arakoon National Parks, contact: [email protected]
