The draft Plan of Management for Westport Park is now available for community input.
The Government has dedicated Westport Park for public recreation to ensure that it remains an open space for locals and visitors to the area, after an ongoing battle.
Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson and Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said it now has the highest form of protection against development.
The plan was part of a push by former Port Macquarie MP Peter Besseling as a response to community concern over the park’s future.
Mrs Williams said the draft plan was developed with close consultation with the Foreshore Lands Advisory Group (FLAG) which consists of representatives from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Tourism, Crown Lands, the Chamber of Commerce and Port Macquarie Hastings Foreshore Protection Association.
“I am so pleased that this precious space will be protected for the enjoyment of the community for years to come,” Mrs Williams said.
“A lot of hard work has gone into preparing this draft plan of management and it identifies key community objectives for the future management of Westport Park as open space.
“Now is the time for those with a vested interest in the future of Westport Park to have a say before this plan is adopted,” Mrs Williams said.
The draft plan of management can be found from Friday afternoon on the Crown Lands web site at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au
Copies are also on display at the Council offices on the corner of Lord and Burrawan Streets, Port Macquarie, Council’s Wauchope and Laurieton offices or at the Crown Lands office at 98 Victoria Street, Taree.
For further details on where to send written submissions, please call 6591 3500 or email tareecrownlands@lands.nsw.gov.au
Submissions close on Friday, March 9.
