Council has reached practical completion of the development and restoration of Hunter Beach, off Aberdeen St, Muswellbrook. While there are a few final details to be finished in the coming weeks, the community is now welcome to enjoy the amenity and facilities of the site.
Sandstone steps and ramps provide direct access to the Hunter River, barbecue facilities, currently waiting for power connections to be completed, will be operating by mid-April, and toilet facilities and picnic tables are available for use now.
The site features a shared pathway from the front gate into the site to a dedicated car park area designed to maximise safety and ensure accessibility for all, including persons living with a disability. Visitors are encouraged to bring a volleyball along to try the new court, with nets now installed or take a walk along one of the nature trails.
Features include ramped access to the central island between the car park and the river, where there is an outdoor learning area and island glade overlooking the Hunter River. The south-west corner of the site has a large, grassed picnic area next to the river’s ‘pebbly beach’. Formed tracks allow easy navigation and exploration of the site.
Project manager Peter Chambers said that while the Hunter River is a natural waterway with a large catchment area, Council cannot guarantee that the areas will always be safe for swimming – therefore swimming is at one’s own risk.
“Hunter Beach site is designed so as the amenity of this unique area can be easily accessed and enjoyed. There are opportunities for active and passive recreation including walking, sports and picnicking while enjoying the natural environment.
Project manager Peter Chambers“While Council has been proactive in reducing risks to the public with fencing and signage to highlight the areas that require caution, this is a natural environment where conditions will constantly be changing,” he said.
Hunter Beach was officially opened on Wednesday 12 April 2023 by Mayor Steve Reynolds. The project received funding from the State Government’s Restart NSW program with contributions from Bengalla Mining Company, AGL and Muswellbrook Shire Council, as part of its Urban Riparian Landcare Masterplan. The working title of Hunter Beach will remain until funding requirements are finalised, after which a Community Open Day and Renaming Ceremony will be held.
