Port Macquarie-Hastings Council starts works on Flagstaff Hill upgrade

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council says works on Flagstaff Hill will result in an improved experience for visitors. The works include the repair and replacement of sections of the footbridge, stairway and viewing platform.

This section will be closed during the upgrade, while the remainder of the coastal walk will remain open.

One resident looking forward to the upgrade is Peter Prassinos.

He described Flagstaff Hill as "one of my favourite places in Port Macquarie".

"This area has a very strong depth of history. It is a remarkable place with plenty of interesting things happening," he said.

"The viewing platform on Flagstaff is one of the best views you will find in Port Macquarie.

"The views across to Town Beach and to the river entrance are fabulous.

"Hopefully the works involve the removal of some of the overgrown vegetation too. It would improve the viewing experience and opportunities."

Mr Prassinos said Flagstaff and the coastal walk attract plenty of visitors every day.

"Every day, every time I come here, there are just so many visitors enjoying this particular area of the coastal walk," he added.

A regular visitor since the early 1980s and a permanent resident since 2009, Mr Prassinos said Flagstaff Hill is also key to an international online game, Geocache.

It is described as an outdoor recreational activity where participants download coordinates to a hidden container - called geocaches or caches - at specific locations around the world.

One of the geocaches is marked on Flagstaff Hill.

"Once people find the geocache they also write about their experiences, which adds to the attraction of Flagstaff Hill and Port Macquarie," he added.

Council director Melissa Watkins said the upgrade of this popular tourist attraction will complement other improvements planned for the Coastal Walk scheduled to commence in the comings months.

“We’ve recently tidied the vegetation on Flagstaff Hill, and will be installing new interpretive signage as part of the upgrades to further depict the historical significance of the area,” Ms Watkins said.

“The flagstaff will also undergo some minor rejuvenation work to ensure it can withstand the impacts of erosion in the future, and remain safe for visitors to the viewing platform.

“The pathway between Town Beach and Flagstaff Hill will also be replaced in the coming months, adding to the upgrade of Flagstaff Hill and also the improvements to the coastal walk nearing completion at Westport Park."

Safety fencing and signage will be installed preventing access to the flagstaff for the duration of the works, which are expected to take around two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

“Council are committed to ensuring our region’s popular tourist attractions are preserved so they continue to provide a rich and unique experience that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike,” Ms Watkins said.

The upgrades to the footbridge, stairway, viewing platform and interpretive signage will cost around $34,000 and form part of the overall upgrade to our region’s iconic Coastal Walk.

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