The future of Broke’s much-loved parklands has reached its final stage of consultation, with the community invited to review and comment on the draft Plan of Management for McNamara Park, Stewart McTaggart Park and Herbert Park.
These parklands cover almost 20 hectares of Crown land managed by Council and the draft Plan of Management provides a framework to protect the character and heritage of these spaces, while ensuring they continue to meet the needs of the community.
The community is requested to make comment on the plan and among those responding is the Broke Residents Community Association (BCRA).
Association president Robert Orr said there are many actions suggested in the plan, more than 200, and all are subject to funding so in reality, they will not all be achieved.
But there are some items the BCRA are hoping will be actioned upon sooner rather than later.
McNamara Park offers free camping with a two night limit however there are a few campers staying long beyond that timeframe.
“We have people not staying two nights, they may be there for weeks and months,” Robert said.
“We are firstly asking that the management of the illegal camping becomes better than what is happening at the moment.”
The group also has significant concerns about weed management within the park, particularly with African Love Grass and Blue Heliotrope.
“It is everywhere and we need to get on top of it now, the two species love each other and are taking over,” Robert said.
Robert says the weeds are a result of the 2022 flooding and have become a serious problem not just in the park, but throughout the village.
The third item they would like address is additional toilets and for a dump point to be installed.
The closest dump points are at Bulga and Jerrys Plains but some campers are using the toilets in McNamara Park to dispose of wastewater and liquid waste which is not ideal.
And fourthly, young families are asking for upgrades to the park facilities with potential inclusion of a bike track.
“We understand the document has many actions but we are hoping Council can prioritise these points as a priority,” Robert said.
Developed in line with relevant state legislation, the draft Broke Crown Lands Plan of Management has now received Ministerial Consent from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and is now on public exhibition until March 26.
A drop-in information session will also be held at Broke Community Hall on Monday, March 2, from 6pm to 8.30pm, where residents can learn more about the plan, ask questions and provide feedback.
