This plan will guide Council in planning for and providing land and facilities that meets the needs of the community.

The plan categorises land as park, sportsground, general community use and natural area, and allows Council to lease, licence and hire the land and any facilities and buildings on the land. It also specifies where Council can develop and build on community land.

The plan will guide the management of the 837 parks and reserves in the MidCoast for the next 5–10 years.

View the PLAn


First round of changes

  • Reducing the number of site-specific plans of management to be developed as the plan provides coverage of these areas.
  • Aligning the draft plan of management with the draft Local Environment Plan for the MidCoast region to ensure that both the current zones and future zones are included.
  • Additional Council owned lands added.
  • Tables added for Harrington Beach State Park and Manning Entrance State Park at the request of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
  • Clarification of Crown land manager appointment at the Manning Waterfront at Taree, as requested by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

Second exhibition period

Two submissions were recieved during the second public exhibition which did not relate to the plan of management. Both were requests for Fenced Off-leash Dog Areas; one at Old Bar and one at Hawks Nest.

It was noted that these matters will be considered in the Open Space and Recreation Strategy.

The Open Space and Recreation Strategy (OSRS) has an action to investigate potential locations for new Fenced Off-leash Dog Areas (FOLA). We are currently constructing several FOLA around the area.

  • Over the last 2 years we have been working with the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Lions, on the development and construction of a new FOLA in Providence Park in Hawks Nest. The Lions are leading on the project and are providing the funding. It is anticipated that the FOLA should be built during 2026.
  • We are considering the provision of one in Old Bar.

FAQs

Community land cannot be sold, and cannot be leased, licensed or have any other estate granted over the land for more than 30 years.

Yes. Where required, site-specific plans of management will be produced in addition to the MidCoast Plan of Management.

Yes. The plan also applies to Crown Land that Council manages for the use of the general public. Crown Land is owned by the State of New South Wales for the benefit of all.