The project team has been busy since February 2023. They have been reviewing public feedback on the draft master plan, adjusting the project plan and scope, and conducting environmental and heritage assessments.
Key updates
Thanks to everyone who reviewed the draft master plan and provided feedback. The number and quality of submissions we received indicate the community's interest in this project and Arakoon and Hat Head national parks.
Based on the feedback, some proposals for the Trial Bay and Little Bay precincts will not go ahead. These include:
- cabins in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct
- group camping at Little Bay precinct
- closure of Overshot Dam Road within Little Bay precinct.
These proposals will not be in the final master plan. More details will be in the upcoming published submissions summary.
Final master plan
A summary of the feedback on the draft master plan will be published, along with the final master plan.
The draft master plan was exhibited from 22 November 2022 to 3 February 2023 and received 151 submissions. All feedback was considered by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
After reviewing all feedback, we adjusted the project scope, plan, and scope of works. The final master plan, including revised technical drawings, is now being prepared for approval. It is expected to be ready next quarter, barring any unforeseen delays.
Environmental and heritage assessments
The project team has made significant progress on critical environmental and heritage assessments since February 2023. These include:
- Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment (ACHA)
- Ecological values assessment (EVA)
- Statement of heritage values (SOHI)
- Review of environmental factors (REF).
The Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment is nearly complete. It includes an investigation of the Aboriginal cultural heritage across the project area.
We have also commissioned an ecological values assessment and statement of heritage values report for each of the 4 precincts:
- Trial Bay Gaol
- Little Bay
- Cardwell Street
- Smoky Cape.
The ecological values assessment examines the ecological values of the area, while the statement of heritage values examines the potential impacts of the scope of works on heritage values. Both Trial Bay Gaol and the Smoky Cape Lighthouse are listed on the State Heritage Register.
These assessment reports inform the preparation and publication of a review of environmental factors. The review of environmental factors examines the significance of likely environmental impacts associated with scope of works outlined in the master plan and the measures that will be taken to mitigate adverse impacts to the environment.
Detailed design work
Detailed designs and technical specifications for the Cardwell Street, Little Bay, and Trial Bay Gaol precincts are being prepared. This will help us transition smoothly to the construction phase in 2025.
As part of this work we have instigated:
- additional topographic surveys
- a health check and risk assessment of the trees around the campground
- a geotechnical survey to determine soil types and extent of subsurface rock.
Trial Bay Gaol Ruins works
Separate from the Macleay Coast Destination project, restorative work is underway at Trial Bay Gaol. Original metalwork features within Cellblock A and the static heritage displays are currently being treated for rust and coated with protective paint to restore these heritage features. These works are due for completion in June 2024.
Existing gutters and downpipes on the main Gatehouse building and the Bakehouse building of the Gaol have been replaced to prevent further staining of the original granite stone facade and ensure the protection of the building from future water ingress.
Trial Bay campground is also undergoing works including the Terrace amenity block and replacement of surrounding concrete pathways, to improve visitor access at the site.
Trial Bay Gaol campground foreshore protection works
To protect the campground foreshore at Trial Bay, 'active intervention' management actions are underway. These include:
- ensuring safe access to the beach
- repairing the existing rock sea wall
- stabilising vegetation on the banks of Runaway Creek
- installing new sandstone steps, bench-style bleachers, a picnic-style shelter and beach ramp access.
All machinery work is planned for weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. However, weekends may be impacted if there are any delays. Visitors can expect heavy vehicle deliveries of raw materials such as quarry rock and sandstone blocks, from Monday to Thursday between 8 am and 4 pm, weather dependent.
Access to parts of the foreshore and beach will be impacted, but alternate access points will be available. Campers may be impacted by noise during the construction phase.
To maintain visitor safety, park visitors are requested to follow any on-site signage directing to alternative pedestrian routes.
