Wollongong City Council is asking for the community’s help in preparing a draft plan of management for 20 hectares of foreshore at Sandon Point and McCauleys Beach.

The draft plan will cover Council owned community land along the foreshore,  from where Slacky Creek meets the ocean in the south, to the foreshore area near Woodland Avenue, Thirroul in the north.  The PoM area includes the Sandon Point Aboriginal Place, as declared by the State government in February 2007and site of the Sandon Point Aboriginal tent embassy.  Also within the PoM area is the Sandon Point Surf Club which is being redeveloped, the public car park at the end of Point Street, and a well used cycle and pedestrian shared way. 

Aboriginal groups, the surfing and surf life saving community, other users of the area, neighbours and the wider community are being invited to contribute their ideas and suggestions to help Council chart the future for this significant and popular foreshore area.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said it is vital that concerned community groups and community members be involved.

“There will be ample opportunity for all community members to provide their ideas on the draft plan,” Cr Bradbery said. “Council will make sure that we are across all opinions and work together to developing a sound outcome for this important site.”

Sandon Point and the surrounding area’s significance for the Illawarra Aboriginal community is widely recognised. The draft plan will acknowledge the heritage and value of the site around Sandon Point and McCauleys Beach, as well as provide clear directions for the area’s future management so the area can be enjoyed by all members of the city and visitors alike.

“Community involvement is central to the plan’s preparation,” Cr Bradbery said. “This is to make sure that the draft plan responds to community values, attitudes and desires for the area and its future management. The draft plan will list areas of significance so these can be protected, shared, and appreciated in the future.”

There will be many ways for people to contribute to the plan – completing a survey, making a submission, or by attending an information session, visiting an on site kiosk, or taking part in a meeting. 

Council has engaged a specialist consultant with experience in open space, recreation and environmental planning, Gondwana Consulting, to help prepare the draft plan of management.  Council is hoping to have a draft Plan of Management ready for public comment in early 2012. 

For more information you can visit Council’s website or call Council’s Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.