What is a master plan?

    A master plan is a long-term plan that outlines the major improvement works and projects Council and the community would like to see happen in the future. The community will get a chance to provide more feedback on the projects included in the master plan as they are delivered.  

    Why are we developing a draft master plan for Stuart Park?

    Stuart Park is Wollongong’s premier park and much-loved by the community. Many of us enjoy going there to play, picnic, attend special events, get fit or take in the beautiful natural areas and coastal views.

    It’s important we hear your ideas for the park, so we get right balance for its use as a recreation, events and green space for the local community and for visitors. Creating a master plan will help us plan for the future of this park and make it an even better place for everyone to enjoy.

    What could be included in a master plan?

    The ideas you share with us could be about:

    • Local stories, culture and history.
    • Amenities, access and connections.
    • Greening and shade.
    • Sport and recreation.
    • Creating spaces for children, young people and families to use.
    • Improving safety.
    • Minimising the impact of events.
    • Food and drink offerings.
    • Ideas for other things.

    You can share ideas for the whole park, including these areas:

    • Lagoon 
    • Playground
    • Car parks
    • Nature walk
    • Restaurant and café
    • Grassy beachfront 
    • Large green-lawn
    • Links north to Puckeys Estate and the University’s Innovation Campus
    • Links south to North Beach, the Harbour and Flagstaff Hill

    We want ideas for projects that can be achieved throughout the next 10 years.

    How is heritage being considered as part of the master planning process?

    Aboriginal culture and heritage values
    Stuart Park is located on Dharawal Country and is understood to be an important place with strong Aboriginal cultural values. The site's location next to a coastal lagoon, on the coastline and nearby to rock platforms and other valuable food resources, as well as known Aboriginal sites within the area confirm that the site has a special place in the community.

    Council is aware that in planning for the future of Stuart Park, it will be important to consider, manage and consult with the local Aboriginal community to better understand and consider these Aboriginal cultural heritage values. 

    We will be doing further targeted Aboriginal community engagement as part of the master planning process. We are planning to talk with the local Aboriginal community over the coming months to understand more about the history and importance of this place. Any input in relation to Aboriginal cultural values and significance will be gratefully received from our local Aboriginal community to inform the process. 

    Members of the Aboriginal community who would prefer to discuss the project and to share any information directly are encouraged to contact us on 4227 7111. Please request to Council's Community Engagement Officer (Aboriginal) Dale Wright, to discuss and arrange a meeting.

    European heritage
    The Norfolk Pines and Canary Island Date Palms in Stuart Park are listed as a Landscape Heritage Item on the Wollongong LEP. The broader cultural heritage values of the park, including its built features and history as Wollongong’s first, largest and most used recreation reserve, will be considered further as part of the master planning process.

    Share your stories and photos
    We encourage you to share any stories, memories and photos you may have that help paint a picture of Stuart Park's history and heritage. Please note, we may include these in future Stuart Park Master Plan materials, such as reports, documentation and on our website. Council's Local Studies and Heritage branches may also use the information. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your stories and photos.

    Is parking being looked at as part of the Master Plan?

    Council is committed to improving parking along the foreshore area, including Stuart Park. We’ve done many studies about parking in this area and have ideas for how it can be improved.  These studies will be used to help develop the draft Master Plan. In the next financial year, we’ll share opportunities for the community to provide feedback on plans for parking in this area.

    Who can give feedback?

    We’re asking many different people to share their ideas with us:

    • Community members, groups and services
    • Visitors
    • Residents and property owners
    • Licensees
    • Government agencies
    • Emergency services
    • Local businesses 
    • Event holders

    We know this is a well-used and valued community space. It’s important we hear from everyone.

    What other projects are happening in and around Stuart Park?

    We’re currently upgrading the North Beach Surf Life Saving Club and seawall. These upgrades will help protect the building and beachfront from large seas and harsh surf conditions. It will also give people a great place to enjoy the sunrise and sunsets. We expect these works to be complete by Winter 2022.

    We’ll also be extending Stuart Park Playground to include an additional inclusive play space for young people and adults with disability. This new play space will provide lots of different play options including, new equipment and sensory and nature play. We’ll also be doing some access upgrades in Stuart Park, including toilets, linking paths and parking to support the extension of the playground. We expect these works to be complete in Winter 2022.

    Is there a draft Master Plan?

    No, we don’t have a draft Master Plan yet. We’re asking the community to share their ideas for the park with us. These ideas will help us develop the draft Master Plan.

    How can I share my ideas?

    There are a few ways you can provide feedback:  

    What happens next and how will my feedback be used?

    After the engagement period ends, a report will be written that outlines the ideas and feedback from the community. The information provided in this report will help us develop the draft Master Plan. 

    We will share the draft Master Plan with the community in early 2022. This will be an opportunity to let us know whether you support what’s in the draft Master Plan. We will use people’s feedback to finalise the Master Plan. 

    The draft Master Plan will then go to Council for adoption in mid-2022. This is where Councillors decide during a Council meeting whether to approve the Master Plan. 

    Once the Master Plan is adopted, many items in the Plan will then go through further community engagement to determine the finer details.