Council is developing the area between the Karoola Wetlands and the Hunter River, off Aberdeen St, Muswellbrook, into a dedicated recreational area with enhanced community connectivity. The project was endorsed by Council as part of the Muswellbrook Urban Riparian Landcare Master Plan, in 2018, and amended in 2020.
The development of Hunter Beach will provide the community with direct access to the Hunter River and improve the natural amenity, viewing areas, enhanced biodiversity, car parking and recreation opportunities across the site including steps, paths and walking trails.
Clearing of the site has included the removal of significant weed clusters including bamboo and large woody species by a vegetation management contractor, who has also record sightings of native fauna. The site’s native trees will be complimented with the replanting of additional native species, including restoration of some of the areas River Red Gum Eucalypt and Casuarina trees as well as additional landscaping throughout the site, enhancing and protecting the site’s natural biodiversity.
Civil works have involved earthworks, inclusion of shared cycle paths and fencing, entry driveway and carpark construction, sandstone steps and accessible ramps as well as amenities including accessible BBQ’s, seats, drinking fountains and toilets.
The area will be an attractive facility for family walking and exploring, swimming, dog walkers and people with accessibility needs. The community facilities have been specifically designed to provide additional inclusion and accessibility for persons living with disabilities.
The connectivity to the Hunter River and restoration of this important riparian environment has been undertaken in close collaboration with the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council (Wanaruah LALC) to assess, inform and integrate indigenous history and language into this project. Council is working closely with the Wanaruah LALC to consider the renaming of the site to indigenous language in the near future.
Muswellbrook Council are proud to restore this recreational reserve and look forward to inviting the Muswellbrook Shire community and visitors to our area following opening in April 2023.
