A draft concept plan for a future upgrade to the Tathra headland precinct is now open for community feedback.
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Bega Valley Shire Council project manager Amelia Souter said the draft plan aimed to capture "the gentle pace of the iconic coastal town by providing an increase in open space, equity and safety through improved pedestrian and cycle access, and opportunities to engage with the headland's cultural legacy and community stories".
"We spoke to a wide range of stakeholders to bring the plan together, including local businesses, community groups, Djiringanj traditional Elders, the Local Aboriginal Land Council and residents," Ms Souter said.
"The key feedback we received was that while the headland provides walkable distances between attractions and businesses, people generally feel the precinct is unsafe for pedestrians and sometimes difficult to navigate for drivers, particularly on Wharf Road where cars and pedestrians use the same small road, with no formal delineation.
"The plan aims to address these issues through a number of smart improvements that make it easier and safer for everyone to use the headland, whether you require accessible parking, are walking or cycling, are going fishing or scuba diving, or walking with children or elderly family and friends."
Other key elements of the concept plan include:
- upgrades to open spaces, including seating, planting and opportunities for people to engage with Aboriginal culture through a yarning circle and garden;
- shared spaces outside the Beach Street shops and on Wharf Road, to improve walkability and pedestrian priority and safety. Importantly, the plan seeks to balance the needs of residents while also allowing for the annual influx of tourists and visitors during peak times;
- formalising and improving car parking across the headland precinct. This will result in some changes, particularly on Wharf Road, but the overall number of car parking spaces across the headland will be retained; and
- designs for the 'look and feel' for each space and types of materials proposed to be used.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said development of the Tathra Headland precinct plan was supported as part of the NSW government's $7.81million stimulus upgrade of Tathra Wharf funded by Crown Lands.
"The planned renewal of Tathra Wharf is progressing well with the Heritage Council of NSW currently assessing council's heritage application and a review of environmental factors (REF) due to be completed shortly," Mr Constance said.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said repair of Tathra Wharf would restore important community infrastructure while supporting jobs and tourism.
"Tathra Wharf is a local heritage icon and a recreation and tourism magnet that will be a centrepiece of the headland precinct for locals and visitors to the South Coast."
Council does not currently have any funding to implement the precinct plan, however once finalised, the plan will be an integral part of any funding applications.
"We're really keen to hear from as many locals and visitors as we can to ensure the plan aligns with the community's needs and wants," Ms Souter said.
"Once we have a concept plan that meets the needs of the community, we can then apply to the state and federal governments for funding."
To have your say, check out the precinct plan and complete a short survey on Council's website by close of business on February 9.
More information about the project is available on Council's website.
