Management plan underway to map out Munibung Hill’s future
A new management plan under development for Munibung Hill and adjoining slopes will map out the future for one of the most spectacular but least-visited sites in Lake Macquarie.
Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking community input to create the new plan, which will seek a balance between protecting, managing and restoring areas of high importance on Munibung Hill, and providing safe public access and recreation opportunities.
Manager Assets Management Brendan Callander said the plan would need to consider Munibung Hill’s unique natural character and cultural significance, as well as environmental hazards and community desires.
“This is a site with incredible potential,” he said.
“The 360-degree views stretch across the lake to the coast, all the way up to Port Stephens and across to the Watagans.”
“So the potential is there to create something really special for the community, but public access to Munibung Hill is difficult due to a lack of safe formal access.”
Council-owned land on Munibung Hill is bordered by the former Pasminco land on one side, and residential development in Warners Bay, Lakelands and Boolaroo.
Mr Callander said Umwelt Australia had been engaged to develop a draft management plan, with a study area including the southern parts of Speers Point and Warners Bay, and parts of Lakelands, Boolaroo and Macquarie Hills bordering Munibung Hill.
“We need to weigh up any options with costs, environmental impacts and how it might work in with the surrounding community,” he said.
“We need community input into what they’d like to see on Munibung Hill and how they’d like it to be used.”
“We’d also love to hear from people who have memories of how the area was used historically.”
Munibung Hill’s historical significance dates to pre-European settlement, when the Awabakal people used it as a source of ochre.
After European settlement, its natural spring was a stop-off point for travellers. Large sections of the hill were later quarried for gravel.
Go to shape.lakemac.com.au to have your say.
A draft management plan is expected to go on public exhibition later this year, with further feedback sought from the community.
