Middle Head draft management plan proposes series of paths for better access to historic area

THE Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has proposed a connected network of paths in its draft amendment to the Middle Head management plan, one of a series of new ideas.

A series of walking paths has been proposed in the Middle head draft management plan.

THE Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has proposed a connected network of paths in its draft amendment to the Middle Head management plan, one of a series of new ideas.

The draft amendment follows a joint planning information open day at Middle Head with the National Parks and Wildlife Service earlier this year.

Various other avenues including more than 800 survey responses, community advisory committee meetings, stakeholder meetings and additional submissions helped to inform the draft plan.

Middle Head is home to some historic defence installations.

Based on feedback received, the draft plan features more detail about collaborative land management with the NPWS, the adaptation or replacement of the timber two-storey barracks building closest to the oval, a reduction to the permissible new building footprint for the 10 Terminal complex to be more in line with the original 2007 plan, slightly reduced parking areas and a landscaped area adjacent to the moat on the northern side of Middle Head Rd if the NPWS reinstates the moat.

Harbour Trust acting executive director Susan Culverston said the Trust and NPWS wanted to work together to maximise public access to Middle Head.

“One of the biggest focus points is to build a connected network of paths to create a seamless visitor experience,” she said.

The area is a popular tourist destination.

“So the draft plan has a circuit walk around the headland, which is quite exciting.”

Dr Culverston said the proposed accessible circuit path would connect at certain points to the NPWS’ existing walking track and proposed walking track.

“I think what was interesting for us, and pleasing, was just what came through the feedback: the community’s strong affinity with the natural values of the site,” she said.

“It was clear that protecting the site’s natural environment and the Harbour Trust working closely with the NPWS on the environment and bushland management was really important.

“Both the local community and Sydneysiders really care about Middle Head and its natural and built heritage.”