Sent to Wallis Plains from Ireland in the early 1800s, the men were uneducated, illiterate and highly superstitious and their bones were laid to rest at Glebe Cemetery in East Maitland.

Today plans to conserve the historical burial site will go on display to provide Maitland City Council with guidance for its conservation and care.

"It (the cemetery) is a gem, which encapsulates so much of Maitland's character - it's colonial history, pastoral views across the floodplain, and exemplary stonework and detail," council's heritage officer Clare James said.

"Many groups already recognise and value the place dearly. We now need to ensure that it receives sensitive and careful management."

Dating back to 1830 from the earliest days of Maitland's European settlement, the cemetery is a place of secrets and surprise with latest research uncovering indications of unmarked burials outside its boundaries.

A pocket of endangered dry rainforest species that existed prior to European settlement has also been identified on the site.

The conservation management plan was undertaken in accordance with recommendations from the NSW State Heritage Register listing, gazetted in August 2012.

The preparation of the plan is also consistent with council's cemetery strategy 2013.

Financial assistance under the NSW Heritage Grants Program was provided for the project.

"There is a large amount of work to be done to stabilise perilous vaults, along with the conservation of individual monuments," Ms James said.

The plan considers all elements of the site and its setting including the cemetery itself, a sandstone quarry, the George Street unformed road access and the surrounding lands.

The plan will be on display until Monday, November 3, at maitlandyoursay.com.au

Submissions can be lodged via email at yoursay@maitland.nsw.gov.au or mailed to: Glebe Cemetery, The General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland 2320.