A plan that could place the Hunter River at the forefront of regional tourism and community activities may soon go on exhibition for public comment.
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Maitland City Council will vote on Tuesday night to exhibit the Queens Wharf and Lorn Riverbank plans of management and masterplans which flag a second wharf for Morpeth and a community plaza for Lorn.
An objective in council’s +10 Community Strategic Plan was to improve recreational access to the Hunter River and its banks from council-owned land.
After considering a study into access to the Hunter and Paterson rivers, council voted to prepare a plan of management and masterplan for two reserves at Queens Wharf and Lorn Riverbank.
“Council has identified the Hunter River as a significant asset and as such has embarked on a strategic plan to enhance the heritage and natural resource for the entire community to enjoy,” a report said.
Council undertook a study in 2014 to identify potential sites for access to the Hunter River for recreational purposes including the launching of non-motorised vessels.
A report said Queens Wharf was an important community asset with natural and heritage significance. “Queens Wharf is also a key recreational site in Maitland providing the only boat ramp into the Hunter River,” it stated.
The plans of management and masterplans were jointly funded by council and the Roads and Maritime Service.
Mara Consulting was engaged by council to develop the plans, a key component of the project was to engage stakeholders to gain feedback and input into the design process.
The meeting with stakeholders was carried out last year.
The draft plan suggests installing additional parking, a heritage display to promote the historical site, additional picnic tables, improving beach areas, a second jetty and an extension of the existing jetty.
The 9.5 hectare Lorn site is visually prominent from the Riverwalk adjacent to The Levee and will be even more so with the completion of the Riverlink building.
Plans for Lorn include an access road over the levee, exercise equipment, two amenities blocks, picnic tables, children’s play area, off leash dog area, paved pathway to the river, an open space area around a central plaza large enough to host community functions.
