Macleay Coast Destination project update

November 2022

Have your say

Macleay Coast Destination project draft master plan – now open for public comment

A draft master plan has been developed for the visitor precincts in Arakoon National Park and Smoky Cape in Hat Head National Park, which will guide upgrades to visitor infrastructure within the parks. The planned visitor infrastructure improvements aim to revitalise and significantly improve existing infrastructure to meet current customer expectations, boost the regional visitor economy and contribute to community wellbeing. The master plan also proposes to create a stunning coastal walk between the Trial Bay and Smoky Cape precincts.

The project will be implemented in 3 stages, with the initial funding focused on delivering stages 1 and 2 over the next 4 years.

Stage 1

Develop a blueprint to meet long-term visitor precincts in Arakoon and Hat Head national parks and determine priorities for implementation.

Stage 2

Use project funding to improve the visitor experience by improving pedestrian, cycle and traffic circulation, separating non-compatible uses and modernising facilities in priority areas.

Stage 3

Undertake remaining works as funding becomes available over the 10-year life of the master plan.

How can I comment on the draft master plan?

The draft master plan is on public exhibition until 10 January 2023. You are invited to comment before this date.

You can provide your submission in any of the following ways:

  • Make a submission online by using the online survey available on our website
  • Email your submission to: npws.northcoastbranch@environment.nsw.gov.au
  • Post your written submission to:
    Manager, North Coast Branch
    National Parks and Wildlife Service
    PO Box 1236
    Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Have your say

Hard copies are available for viewing at:

  • Trial Bay Gaol museum and Trial Bay campground kitchen, 73 Trial Bay Gaol Access Rd, Arakoon NSW 2431
  • Verges Creek NPWS office, 247 Old Station Rd, Verges Creek NSW 2440
  • Port Macquarie NPWS office, 22 Blackbutt Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Can I talk to someone about the plan?

If you have any questions on the plan, we will be having open house drop-in sessions at Little Bay picnic area, end of Carri Street, Arakoon National Park on:

  • 10 am – 12 pm Tuesday 6 December 2022
  • 10 am – 12 pm Saturday 10 December 2022

We look forward to hearing community feedback on these plans.

Trial Bay Coast and Foreshore Protection Strategy released

The Trial Bay Coast and Foreshore Protection Strategy was on exhibition in early 2022, and the final strategy is now available online. The strategy provides a framework to address the impacts of major storm events and climate change on beach and foreshore areas within Trial Bay's visitor precincts. The strategy will continue to be a living document, highlighting the need for adaptive coastal management facilitated through ongoing learning, open and transparent stakeholder communications and evidence-based decisions.