The submissions report outlines the feedback received and the changes made to the master plan and review of environmental factors to address the feedback received.
The master plan is currently being published and, along with the walking track design maps, will be placed on display in July 2021.
Finalising the master plan and review of environmental factors
The Tomaree Coastal Walk Draft Master Plan and Draft Review of Environmental Factors were placed on exhibition in mid-September 2020 for 6 weeks to provide an opportunity for the community to review and provide feedback on the proposed concepts.
Over 140 submissions were received, providing both support for the project and constructive feedback on how the concepts could be improved. Thank you to everyone who took the time to review and comment on the plans. Your feedback is much appreciated.
NPWS reviewed all submissions and has prepared a submissions report to outline the issues raised and how they have been considered in the final master plan.
The master plan is currently being published, along with the walking track design maps. It will be available online to view in July 2021.
The master plan provides a framework for the $6.7 million Tomaree Coastal Walk project and a long-term vision for future visitor facility improvements in Tomaree National Park.
The plan aims to balance conserving Tomaree National Park's natural and cultural values with visitation demands by creating experiences to better manage existing and future visitation.
While not all improvements identified in the master plan will be delivered as part of the Tomaree Coastal Walk project funding, the priority for delivery is the 20-kilometre Tomaree Coastal Walk. This will involve upgrading existing tracks and constructing new sections of track to provide a connected walk from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point.
Delivery of the supporting precinct upgrades, including major improvements on Tomaree Headland, will be subject to future funding.
The review of environmental factors has been finalised and approved, taking into account changes made to the project following community input and further technical investigations. The approved review of environmental factors can be viewed online.
Detailed design planning
We are continuing conversations with key stakeholders in the detailed design planning stage of the project. This includes further consideration of geotechnical, safety, local amenity and natural and cultural heritage issues.
Detailed precinct design work has also commenced for the lower priority precinct upgrades, including Tomaree Head and Iris Moore. This will mean that precinct upgrades will be ready to go should additional funding become available.
The design maps will be displayed on the Tomaree Coastal Walk webpage as they become available.
Walking track upgrades at Big Rocky
Minor maintenance work on a section of the existing Little Rocky walking track at the Big Rocky precinct will start next week. The work will involve installing 20 metres of low raised boardwalk over a track section prone to flooding.
The Little Rocky track will be temporarily closed for up to one week, weather permitting, to complete the work. Check for closure alerts on the national parks website before visiting.
The work will have immediate benefits for visitors by providing improved access to the Little Rocky walking track.
In addition, work is scheduled to commence in July 2021 to repair and formalise a new low-key walking track from Big Rocky carpark with north Samurai walking track. Work will also include installing steps and improving access to the Skate Bay track.
All works will be carried out in accordance with the Tomaree Coastal Walk review of environmental factors.
Next steps
- The master plan is being published and is expected to be on the website in July 2021.
- Ongoing conversations with key stakeholders to inform the detailed design plans for the walk.
- Minor track maintenance and upgrade work at Big Rocky will begin in June 2021.
