The community has until Friday to make submissions on concept plans for the development to the breakwall.
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The breakwall is well used by the local community and visitors with thousands enjoying the views across the river and the ocean.
And its popularity has highlighted a number of issues, including difficulty to move on the existing footpath, limited seating, poor lighting and no arrival experience at the end of the journey.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has developed a concept that addresses these issues by widening the footpath to between five and six metres, putting in more seating, improving lighting and constructing a lookout at the end of the walkway.
“The concept also explores creating three fishing platforms and introducing wayfinding signage, tree planting and shelters,” council said.
“A key aspect of the design has been to ensure people with all abilities can access and use the space.”
The breakwall is an asset of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) who are supportive of the proposed plan to improve the area.
Following community feedback any modifications will be considered before handing the final plan over to the DPI for more detailed design and construction.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council director Tricia Bulic said the proposed concept would provide a generous width, allowing walkers, cyclists, fishermen, dog-walkers and parents with prams to safely share the space.
The concept also explores creating three fishing platforms spaced along the breakwall, the introduction of way finding signs, tree planting, ramp access and shelters.
For more information and to view the concept plans go to www.pmhclistening.com.au/breakwall-upgrade or contact the council on 6581 8111.
The concept plan includes:
WIDE CONCRETE PATH New 5-6m wide shared concrete path. Generous width allows for walkers, cyclists, fishermen, dog walkers, parents with prams and whellchair users to safely share the space. Alternating bands of colour indicate slow zones at key activity nodes.
LIGHTING AND SIGNAGE Bollard lights and wayfinding signage are installed along length. Lighting will make the path accessible and safe into the evening and signage will guide visitors to explore the Coastal Walk and other key destinations.
RAMPS 3m wide accessible ramp at either end of the breakwall path. Road crossing in caravan park is delineated with road paint or raised crossing.
FISHING PLATFORMS 3 crest level Fishing Platforms with seating. Additional clusters of seating are included at these activity nodes with some shelter.
RETAINING WALL Low retaining wall at base of embankment removes the need for a balustrade along the length of the breakwall. The slope is planted with massed native plants and shade trees.
LOOKOUT Path ramps up to allow visitors to see the mouth of the river and Town Beach from the lookout. Lookout is a concrete platform of around 10m diameter formed through additional rockwork. It will also have seating and signage to encourage people to stay.
NEW KIOSK Subject to planning approval