There are grand plans to enhance and conserve a nature reserve in Peak Hill but Parkes Shire Council needs your feedback first.
Council agreed to create a masterplan of the Peak Hill Flora and Fauna Nature Reserve, paid out of the Peak Hill Town Improvement Fund, last June and it's now on public exhibition until April 4.
The draft was tabled and accepted at Council's February 18 meeting, with councillor and Peak Hill resident Louise O'Leary describing the area - also known as the Peak Hill Nature Walk - as a diamond in the rough.
It's located on the eastern outskirts of Peak Hill, about 450m from the main street, Caswell Street/Newell Highway, on the Golf Club Road and in its current form, has a gravel frontage with steel fencing and gates around an overgrown native garden, and a sign sitting back in the bushland.
The report said because of its close proximity to the Peak Hill township, the Newell Highway and the Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine Experience, the reserve is regularly visited by locals and visitors.
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The draft plan was initiated by the Peak Hill Community Consultative Committee and developed with the support of a number of government authorities, organisations, community groups and individuals.
It features 10 improvement projects that will ultimately transform the site.
"It's taken a bit of planning by the Peak Hill Community Consultative Committee," Cr O'Leary said at the Council meeting.
The projects include widening Golf Club Road and extending the shared footpath along Golf Club Road to connect Euchie Street to the reserve.
Council and stakeholders would like to formalise a parking bay, including space big enough for caravans and a U-turn bay, demolish an unused storage shed and develop walking trails and picnic areas.
The plans suggest repurposing the old native garden into a learning space with rock seating and calling it the Ray Keed Outdoor Learning Space, establishing a lookout to the Hervey Ranges with signage and eagle artwork, and exploring the use of interactive technology to enhance visitor experiences.
Ray Keed was a predominant member of the Peak Hill Indigenous community who was involved in the instigation of the park.
The plan also includes having a structured maintenance regime, preparing a draft cultural burn plan to manage the grass and vegetation fuel load and reduce the risk of fires, and preparing a draft stormwater management plan and erosion control plan.
Community members are encouraged to submit their feedback and any possible suggestions by 12pm Friday, 4 April, by either emailing Council at council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or writing to the General Manager, Parkes Shire Council PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870.
At the end of the exhibition period Council staff will make the necessary amendments to the plan and report back to a Council meeting for its final adoption.
It is hoped the final plan will aid and strengthen future grant funding applications.
