NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking community feedback on a new Draft Plan of Management and Draft Mountain Biking Plan for Glenrock State Conservation Area.
Glenrock State Conservation Area (SCA) is popular with bushwalkers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horse riders, beach users and nature lovers, Acting National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Central Coast Director Doug Beckers said.
'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.
'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.
'Glenrock is a conservation area in the traditional Country of the Awabakal people, and forms part of a rich cultural landscape cared for by Aboriginal families and groups for thousands of years.
'It is 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.'
Glenrock SCA is listed on the State Heritage Register for its evidence of the early coal mining history.
Plans of Management are legal documents NPWS develops and maintains to guide how a park will be sustainably managed.
NPWS has consulted extensively with multiple park user groups over two years. The proposed new mountain bike trail network has been professionally designed to provide opportunities for riders of different ages and ability levels.
NPWS has committed over $2 million to enhance walking tracks and upgrade visitor facilities in Glenrock SCA, as part of the NSW Government's largest investment in national parks history with $450 million for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects.
National parks provide a huge boost to the visitor economy in the Hunter region, generating $618 million per year in economic activity and supporting more than 420 jobs.
The draft PoM and mountain biking plan will be exhibited until Monday 6 February 2023 on the Glenrock State Conservation Area draft plan of management and mountain biking plan webpage.
Key highlights
The Draft Plan of Management proposes:
- new and upgraded walking tracks
- new carpark with a horse-float and bus drop-off area
- new cultural interpretation signs
- formalised entry points to limit environmental impacts
- a track signage policy which will identify trails suitable for walking, running and mountain biking to address shared-use conflicts and visitor safety.
The Draft Mountain Biking Plan aligns with the new NPWS Cycling Strategy and proposes:
- establishing 21 km of new trails and features
- using 10 km of existing mountain bike trails
- repurposing 7.6 km of existing unauthorised trails
- closing 30 km of unauthorised trails that are unsafe or unsustainable
- prioritising improving mountain bike trail accessibility for park users with restricted mobility.
