Wollongong unveils draft recreation plan for Cringila Hills

Wollongong City Council has advised that a beginners and intermediate mountain biking trail, a pump track and bike skills park, as well as walking trails and an upgraded playground are to be included in the master plan for Cringila Hills.

The draft Cringila Hills Recreation Master Plan is a long-term strategy to look at how the space that has impressive views over the southern suburbs can be better enjoyed by the community.

Currently, it’s home to the Wollongong Cardinals Baseball Club, which will remain as is, and is a popular spot for bird watching, walking, and has an underused children’s playground.

The master plan provides an opportunity to develop a multi-purpose space that will provide diverse recreational and social opportunities for the community.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery noted “developing a master plan for a site like this provides us with an opportunity for feedback from the community to bring the mountain biking and walking trails from idea and concepts to reality, to make it the best of recreational facilities for our city. Already I’ve heard so much positive feedback on the possibility of having a beginners and intermediate mountain bike trail in this location.

“What we’re proposing for Cringila Hills will provide for novice mountain bike riders, and families keen to develop their bike skills, and it will be set within a greenspace that offers walking trails, an upgraded playground with nature play areas and improved sporting amenities.’’

In developing the master plan, Council considered the Hills’ long history which has included agriculture and industrial uses. The plan will improve protection of important areas of remnant and regenerated natural vegetation, including pockets of Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest an endangered ecological community.

The draft master plan is on exhibition until 31st January 2020. There will be a drop-in session on Saturday 7th December from 10am to 12 noon at Cringila Community Hall on Lake Avenue.

Copies of the draft plan will also be available at Council’s Administration Building, and Central Library, Unanderra and Warrawong libraries.