Sandon Point management plan ready for comment

The area the management plan covers at Sandon Point

THE draft plan of Management for Sandon Point and McCauley’s Beach goes on public exhibition for 90 days from today until February 28 2013. The draft plan provides ideas and plans to manage the Wollongong City Council owned community land and also to recognise the area’s rich Aboriginal significance.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said Council has been talking with many groups and individuals in the community.

“We started consulting with community groups, Aboriginal representatives and community members many months ago,” he said.

“We have received feedback from more than 400 community members while developing this draft plan which is now on exhibition.  This draft plan now allows us to talk about the specifics of how we can work together respectfully to manage this wonderful site for many generations to come.

“We respect the Aboriginal place at the site. It represents a significant cultural insight of the first people of this nation. We want to ensure that all users of the site are safe and any possible future uses comply with relevant legislation. We must also ensure the environmental quality of the area is maintained.”

The community’s draft plan is available through Council’s website and copies will be available for view at Council libraries.

Compact discs of the draft plan will be available on request through Council’s website.

Submissions on the draft plan can be made at any time before 5 pm on March 15 2013, or by attending a community consultation meeting, event or public hearing.

During December and January Council’s Community Land Management Officer will meet with stakeholder groups to discuss the draft plan.

Two information sessions about the draft plan are scheduled at Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday February 9 2013, 2.30 to 4.30pm, and Thirroul Community Centre on Wednesday February 13 2013, 7.30 to 9:30pm.

Dates for an on site kiosk and a public hearing will be announced soon.

For more call (02) 4227 7111 or visit Council’s website.