Following the public exhibition of the draft Tomaree Coastal Walk Master Plan in late 2020, the Tomaree Coastal Walk Master Plan has been revised, resulting in positive conservation outcomes for the park, community and visitors to the area.
We are pleased to announce that the final Tomaree Coastal Walk Master Plan is now available to view.
The plan balances conserving the park's natural and cultural values with future visitation demands by creating experiences that better manage visitation in the park throughout the year.
While not all improvements proposed in the master plan can be delivered with the current funding for the project, the master plan outlines what is being delivered as part of the $6.7 million Tomaree Coastal Walk project, and what elements are subject to future funding.
The priority for delivery is the 20-kilometre coastal walk connecting Tomaree Head to Birubi Point.
Changes made to the master plan following consultation
The draft Tomaree Coastal Walk Master Plan and draft Review of Environmental Factors were exhibited in late 2020 to allow stakeholder feedback on the proposed walk.
A total of 142 unique submissions were received. Key themes raised included:
- overall support for the project
- concerns about impacts to residents and loss of amenity to local community
- comments on the proposed walking route, including opposition to the proposed new route along the eastern side of Stephens Peak and the proposed new coastal route at Fishermans Bay
- support for greater use of existing tracks
- concerns about an increase in local traffic and inadequate infrastructure
- environmental protection and management, including the impact on cultural sites, flora and fauna and the potential increase in littering
- concerns about commercialisation and change of the character of the park.
The submissions report is also available online.
In response to community feedback received on the draft master plan and the Review of Environmental Factors, further geotechnical assessment and available funding, the following key changes have been made to the master plan:
- The proposed new track alignment on the eastern side of Stephens Peak will not progress as part of the Tomaree Coastal Walk project. An existing track on the western side of Stephens Peak will be used as an alternative.
- The proposed new coastal track adjacent to Ocean Street residences at Fishermans Bay will not proceed as part of the Tomaree Coastal Walk. The master plan identifies that the walk will follow Pacific Street and link with a new track to be developed south of Fishermans Bay to Iris Moore.
- The proposed cantilevered platform at the Slot Canyon on Tomaree Headland will not proceed as part of the Tomaree Coastal Walk project.
- The proposed viewing platform at Big Rocky knoll will not proceed as part of the Tomaree Coastal Walk project.
- Alternate transport options including public transport and shuttle bus services will be investigated to ease traffic congestion. The master plan will show the potential expansion of existing car parks allowing for different types of vehicles.
- Detailed precinct planning for Tomaree Headland is being undertaken as part of the project.
The Review of Environmental Factors was prepared in conjunction with the draft master plan to assess the environmental and cultural significance of the project area, potential environmental impacts of the proposal, and identify measures to mitigate impacts.
The Review of Environmental Factors was prepared by independent contractors in consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service and stakeholders and was published in June 2021.
What's next?
Detailed design planning for the walk is underway and will include upgrading existing tracks and the construction of new sections of track, to deliver a connected walk from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point. Detailed planning for a future upgrade to the Tomaree Summit Walk is also underway.
We are continuing to work with stakeholders as we progress the detailed design planning. This includes further consideration of geotechnical, safety, local amenity and natural and cultural heritage issues.
New and innovative interpretation is also being prepared for the walk including wayfinding signs, art installations, digital stories and other visitor information to inspire visitors and share the fascinating natural and cultural history of the Tomaree landscape.
Construction phases
Minor work to repair and upgrade sections of existing track including the access at Kingsley Beach, One Mile and Fingal South Ridge will commence in November 2021. This work will also include repairing damaged track sections from the March 2021 flood events in these locations.
The major construction works program is dependent upon the completion of the design phase and cultural heritage approvals, expected early 2022.
All work will be carried out in accordance with the Tomaree Coastal Walk Review of Environmental Factors.
