Back Creek Foreshore Carpark and Open Space Upgrade

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Consultation has concluded.

Please visit Kempsey Shire Council website for more information.

Have your say by 7 August!

Back Creek has long been recognised for its stunning natural beauty and value to the community. Over the last 18 months the new Back Creek footbridge has been built, the old bridge removed and new amenities opened. Those amenities were funded through a NSW Government Stronger Country Communities grant and further Boating Now funding has supported boat ramp works in the area.

An overall plan for the area, designed by Royal Haskoning DHV, was adopted in 2017, and this was important for securing the grant funding. However, concerns about aspects of the design and

Have your say by 7 August!

Back Creek has long been recognised for its stunning natural beauty and value to the community. Over the last 18 months the new Back Creek footbridge has been built, the old bridge removed and new amenities opened. Those amenities were funded through a NSW Government Stronger Country Communities grant and further Boating Now funding has supported boat ramp works in the area.

An overall plan for the area, designed by Royal Haskoning DHV, was adopted in 2017, and this was important for securing the grant funding. However, concerns about aspects of the design and whether it is still relevant have been raised. Council have gone back to the submissions from the 2017 public exhibition as well as the feedback from the May 2018 Community Catch-up where the Royal Haskoning plan was discussed.

It is clear that the area of most concern to the community is the southern end of the Back Creek reserve in line with the footbridge. Plans for that space have now been updated and we need your feedback to confirm a final plan that is more consistent with how the area is used.

The revised plans address:

  • Improving footpath connectivity
  • Formalising lined parking spaces to maximise safe parking and traffic flow
  • Including maintenance efficiency is built into the design through edging techniques
  • Creating linked and usable open space to make the area more inviting
  • Balancing parking with usable green space that includes picnic tables and barbecues
  • Improving access for all users through a range of steps from accessible parking spots to amenities and formalised paths
  • Acknowledging that the nearby café development was not included on original plans
  • Creating paths that will link to the development from Gregory St

The original plans also reduced parking space to include a bus turnaround bay. Council also recognised a preference for Revised Concept which does not include this turnaround bay at the June 2020 meeting when it was resolved to put updated plans on public exhibition. It was felt that an increase of 17 parking spaces is a more appropriate use of the available space.

Have your say and help lock in a plan that will allow work to be completed on the southern end of Back Creek reserve during the 2020/21 financial year.


You can

- view the Royal HaskoningDHV Plan 2017

- view the 16 June 2020 Council report

- view the Draft upgrade plans

- take the Survey

- submit ideas and suggestions

- ask a Question

- review previous engagement feedback in the Related projects

Feedback closes on 7 August 2020

Please get involved!

Thanks for your interest and time.

Have a great day!