FAQs
- sets out objectives and performance targets for community land
- identifies appropriate land use and management practices
- indicates how the land will be used or developed in future
- as critical habitat, or directly affected by a threat abatement plan or a recovery plan under threatened species laws (sections 36A (2) and 36B (3))
- by council to contain significant natural features (section 36C (2))
- by council to be of cultural significance (section 36D (2)).
What is a Crown Reserve?
Crown reserves are parcels of land owned by the NSW Government that have been set aside for a wide range of public purposes including public recreation, environmental protection, government services, and the provision of community facilities. Local councils in NSW together manage over 6,000 Crown reserves across the state.
Why is Council preparing a Plan of Management (PoM) for Gunnamatta Park?
Following changes to the Crown Land Management Act that commenced 1 July 2018, all NSW councils are required to prepare compliant PoMs for land to which Council is appointed as the Crown Land Manager. Council has prepared a draft generic POM for Crown Land which covers most of the Crown Reserves in the Sutherland Shire area.
What is a Plan of Management?
A Plan of Management (PoM) is a strategic planning and governance document that guides the use and management of community land. It is an important document as it:
A PoM is a useful tool in outlining the social, environmental, economic, and cultural values of community land, and in identifying ways to conserve these values and mitigate potential impacts.
Fundamental to a PoM for Crown Land is the gazetted purpose for which the land was dedicated or reserved. The PoM must ensure that all use and development of the land is consistent with the gazetted purpose. In the case of Gunnamatta Park, the gazetted purpose is public recreation.
What is a site-specific Plan of Management?
Under sections 36A – 36D of the Local Government Act, a site-specific PoM must be made for land declared:
Council has declared that Gunnamatta Park is an area of cultural significance due to its European heritage values, therefore a site specific PoM has been prepared.
For more information on the cultural significance of Gunnamatta Park, see Section 3.3 ‘Cultural Significance’ of this plan of management.
How will the PoM impact work planned for Gunnamatta Park?
The PoM is a high-level document that guides the use and management of the reserve. The PoM allows for future work within the park provided the development is consistent with the gazetted purpose for public recreation.
Within the capital works pipeline, Council has projects programmed for upgrade of the Gunnamatta Pavilion and renewal of the playground. More information about the Pavillion Upgrade can be found on Council’s website using the dedicated Gunnamatta Pavilion project page.
How often will the Plan of Management be reviewed?
The Plan of Management for Gunnamatta Park will be reviewed within four years of its adoption to ensure that the reserve is being managed in accordance with the plan. The community will have an opportunity to participate in reviews.