Amended plan paves way for Tomaree Coastal Walk and improved visitor experiences

The NSW Government has adopted an amendment to the Tomaree National Park Plan of Management - paving the way for the Tomaree Coastal Walk and improved visitor experiences in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.

The Tomaree Coastal Walk project has been funded over four years as part of a NSW Government investment to increase nature-based tourism in NSW, boost regional visitor economies and improve community wellbeing.

The draft master plan has been informed by community feedback and extensive cultural, environmental and geotechnical assessments. The plan provides a framework and conceptual design for the 20-kilometre walk and future visitor experience improvements.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Area Manager Andrew Bond said Tomaree National Park is a popular destination with residents and visitors to the area and is an important part of the Worimi cultural landscape.

Bond advised “Tomaree National Park provides a spectacular backdrop for the coastal towns and villages of Port Stephens and conserves many of the important natural and cultural values of the area.

“The amendment is the first step in the planning process for the Tomaree Coastal Walk project, a spectacular 20-kilometre walk from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point in the national park.

“The $6.7 million project will also involve upgrades to the Tomaree summit and WWII gun emplacement walks, new and upgraded walking tracks, lookouts, interpretative signage and other visitor facilities.

“There is strong community interest in the project and we have consulted with residents, business operators, community groups and organisations from the early planning stages to ensure the views of the local community are considered.

Bond added “we’re now asking everyone with an interest in this project to have their say on the draft master plan and environmental impact assessment, which will be open for public exhibition until Tuesday 20th October 2020.”

As part of the exhibition, NPWS will be hosting COVID-safe community information sessions on Saturday 10th October 2020 to provide an opportunity for people to meet with the project team to discuss the draft plans.

Bookings are essential. Call the NPWS Nelson Bay office on 02 4984 8200.

The draft master plan can be viewed online at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/consult or at the Tomaree Library and Community Centre, 7 Community Close, Salamander Bay NSW

Image: Boardwalk to Tomaree Head Lookout, Tomaree National Park  courtesy of NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment