Wollongong City Council is moving forward with plans to develop the heritage-listed Aboriginal site known as Hill 60 in Port Kembla.
Council has today shared its plans for the site’s first stage of works online.
“After Hill 60 was added to the NSW State Heritage Register, we set to work to develop the Hill 60 Landscape Master Plan for this location,’’ said Lord Mayor, Gordon Bradbery AM.
“It’s important we got the plan right, and now with a range of approvals in place, we’re able to start phased works on improvements to the area that will protect its significant heritage values while also making the area better for those who visit.’’
The first stage of works focuses on the area best known as the Marine Rescue headland.
The proposed works include:
- Rebuilding the existing access road and informal carpark to create a new outlook area with better vehicle and pedestrian access;
- Creation of new kerbs and equal access footway connections up to the new viewing area;
- A large, pedestrian-friendly viewing area, providing expansive views of Fishermans Beach and the Five Islands, paved in high quality concrete with bench seating incorporating pavement art celebrating the heritage of Hill 60;
- New safety railings around the viewing area and interpretive signage telling some of the stories of this important site.
“This area is an important site for the Aboriginal community and Council has been working closely for some time with representatives from the community to ensure the proposed works are in keeping with the site’s cultural values and long history,’’ said Council General Manager, Greg Doyle.
“We want to improve the site’s safety as it hasn’t seen any formal improvement works for quite some time. But we also want to provide visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of the site.
“This is why the viewing area will feature interpretive artwork that celebrates the site’s rich Aboriginal heritage as well as artwork that recognises the site’s military history. We’re looking to raise awareness and the profile of the site’s shared history and values.’’
The project is supported by a $500,000 contribution from the NSW Government’s Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
