Environment Minister Matt Kean has extended the community consultation period for the proposed Tomaree Coastal Walk project after Fishermans Bay residents complained they only learned by accident of plans to create a pathway to allow thousands of tourists to walk metres from their front and back doors.
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They have described the project, which is designed to be a major tourist drawcard for the region, as the 'Disneyfication of Tomaree National Park'.
The proposed 20 kilometre walkway, announced last year, will stretch from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point. The project received $6.7million funding over four years.
Ocean Street resident Lee Smith said he and his neighbours only became aware of the project a few weeks ago when they saw a National Parks and Wildlife vehicle driving beside their homes.
"Apparently a staff member was making a decision at that moment about which part of the national park on the headland would be sacrificed for the walkway," he said.
Ironically, residents were not listed as 'key stakeholders' in the Draft Tomaree Coastal Walk Strategy.
In addition to concerns about the infringement on their privacy, residents have also raised concerns about the potential impact on native wildlife, including threatened species nesting areas and coastal habitat.
"The headland on the southern side of Fishermans Bay is a tiny remnant of coastal scrub which attracts abundant birdlife including the vulnerable sooty oyster catcher," Mr Lee said.
"The northern headland is particularly dense scrub which has been the territory of a family of white-bellied sea eagles for at least the last seventy years. Destroying this habitat for a walkway to give tourists a nice view and encouraging them to litter by selling takeaway coffee and food is environmental vandalism not protection."
The walkway plans sit alongside a private proposal announced this year to build a 160 metre skywire between Shoal Bay road and the top of Tomaree Head.
Submissions for comment on the Tomaree National Park Plan of Management Draft Amendment and the Draft Tomaree Coastal Walk strategy, which were due to close on Monday September 16, will be extended until Monday, September 30.
Mr Kean told the Newcastle Herald a drop-in session would be held during the extended consultation period.
"I have requested that National Parks and Wildlife Service extend public exhibition until the end of the month," he said.
"I have also asked for a community information meeting to be held in coming days. This will allow for late arriving submissions to be considered. The proposed changes to the Tomaree Coastal Walk are intended to strike the right balance between conserving the natural and cultural values of the park, while also creating a unique opportunity for people to enjoy this stunning stretch of our coast."
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
