Draft plans for a new-look Burdekin Park are expected to be completed by the end of the year, and there will be “ample” opportunity for the community to have input, says Council’s general manager Jason Linnane.
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Burdekin Park is being re-imagined as a horticulturally-focused, peaceful, and inviting open space as Council plans for the future of the park after a long history of issues caused by a significant population of flying foxes.
The historic park was closed on March 3 because of dangerous conditions as a result of cracking and falling branches caused by the weight of the animals on trees in the park.
A five-year licence from NSW Office of Environment Heritage allowed Council to remove a total of 40 dead and dying trees, which meant the park could be completely re-opened on July 12.
Council’s General Manager, Jason Linnane, says Council was moving forward to restore the park’s status as an important historic, social and cultural space for the people of Singleton.
“We are reviewing the Plan of Management for Burdekin Park and have issued a brief for an updated landscape plan.We expect to see draft plans by the end of the year,” he says.
“At the same time, we are exploring a range of activities and events that would be suitable for Burdekin Park to encourage people to return the park and highlight the important historic monuments located there, such as the Historical Museum and War Memorials.”
“As an important community space, it is vital that our residents have input into the future of Burdekin Park and there will be ample opportunities for feedback, including on the landscape designs as the review of the Plan of Management progresses.”
“A big challenge of the review process will be to balance the many competing views about the park, particularly around its historical, social and environmental value.” Mr Linnane said Council had sought advice from Hunter New England Health about the potential for contamination risks in the soils in Burdekin Park as a result of the flying fox population, in response to community concerns.