Wollongong City Council’s vision for the future of Mount Keira Summit Park appears to have divided fans of the scenic peak into two camps: tourism advocates and environmentalists.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While a majority of commentators supported the council’s draft vision, which set out broad principles to guide future development of the 9.4 hectare site, both sides have called for the council to strengthen or dump parts of the plan.
In a report detailing the 84 submissions received from individuals and community groups, consultants TRC Tourism noted many thought “the vision could be stronger to make the summit park a tourism opportunity for Wollongong”. They said these were “dominated and perhaps confused” by a Destination Wollongong-led plan for an “adventure playground”, which involves mountain biking and a cable car.
Keira MP Ryan Park said he wanted to “see its potential realised as a truly iconic tourist destination” and believed the key to the summit park’s success was a “reliable and unique food offering, suitable walking and mountain biking tracks, opportunity to learn about Aboriginal history and enhancing the views”.
On the other hand, wilderness and environmental groups – including the Colong Foundation and Total Environment Centre – objected to commercial development and were opposed to the adventure playground idea. But the consultants said it was “possible to continue to conserve and respect these values while providing enhanced opportunities and reasons for visiting the Summit Park through a strong vision statement”.
Wollongong councillors this week voted to adopt the vision, which will inform a detailed master plan and plan of management, to be drafted by the end of the year.
Labor councillor David Brown said there were many steps left before the Mount Keira vision would come to fruition, and also noted the “polarised views” about what should happen at the site.
“It will be up to us to navigate through those in a way we can live with and ultimately be proud of for this city,” he said.
He said the peak was a significant cultural site which many in the city did not fully understand with regard to its Aboriginal heritage and hoped the vision would be able to shine a light on its role in Dharawal culture.
The vision statement reads: “A trip to Mount Keira Summit Park will change the way people see and experience Wollongong… it will be a place to enjoy the beautiful views of the city, mountains and the sea and to appreciate the cultural and environmental landscape of the Illawarra Escarpment through a range of exceptional visitor experiences”.