Camping plan open for comment

Gosford Council has resolved to exhibit the draft Patonga Caravan and Camping Area Plan of Management for public comment.

Subject to no "significant objections" being received within the 28-day display period, council is expected to adopt the plan.

Should significant objections be received, a further report would be prepared for council detailing submissions received.

The Plan of Management was prepared using a "values-based approach", according to a council report.

These values were determined through community consultation processes undertaken in March and April last year.

The report stated that the outcome led to the development of management objectives which include protection of the scenic value and ecologically sustainable limits of the land, improvements to access and circulation, improvement of amenities, increased security surveillance, promotion of the area as "family friendly", and recognition of the significance and history of the land in any future management options.

In December, the Department of Lands asked that council incorporate Plan of Management into a plan for the whole of Patonga.

Since January however, discussion with the Department of Lands revealed a significant delay in the preparation of the Patonga Plan of Management.

The Department of Lands has therefore given council approval to continue with the preparation and exhibition of the Caravan and Camping Area Plan of Management.

This plan will be incorporated into the Plan of Management for all areas of Crown Land within Patonga at a later date.

Council agenda SF.26, 3 Jun 2008