news, local-news, Rathmines Park, Catalina, master plan, plan of Management, Lake Macquarie City Council, Kay Fraser, Stephen Prince
CONSULTATION closes this Friday on the Master Plan and Plan of Management for Rathmines Park. The plans will guide the future use and development of the site and its historically significant former RAAF seaplane base. They will will follow on from the Conservation Management Plan adopted by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage earlier this year. Lake Macquarie City Council's recreation and land planning coordinator Stephen Prince said council was consulting to find out how the community used Rathmines Park, and how they think it should be used and preserved into the future. "We now want to know how the community uses Rathmines Park, and how they think it should be used and preserved into the future," Mr Prince said. "Input we receive will help shape a vision that will enhance this important site's heritage, community and recreational features," he said. Catalina long-range patrol bombers, along with other aircraft, flew from Rathmines during World War II, conducting coastal patrols in search of enemy raiders. The base closed in 1956, but many of its key features remain, including part of the north-east hangar, the former sergeants mess, the former officers mess and the base hospital. Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said parts of the site were listed on local and state heritage registers, reflecting their important role in Lake Macquarie's history, and more specifically in the role the RAAF base played in development of the surrounding community. "Rathmines Park is regarded as the most intact seaplane base in Australia," Cr Fraser said. "We want to ensure the master plan recognises and respects this important part of our nation's military history, while continuing to provide opportunities for community use and recreation." Feedback can be provided online at shape.lakemac.com.au/rathmines-park. Former Rathmines air base deemed 'exceptional historic treasure' | photos Pictures and review of 2019 Rathmines Catalina Festival RAAF base tours return to Rathmines
PLAN: Feedback is being sought by Lake Macquarie City Council on the future uses of Rathmines Park. Picture: Supplied
CONSULTATION closes this Friday on the Master Plan and Plan of Management for Rathmines Park.
The plans will guide the future use and development of the site and its historically significant former RAAF seaplane base.
They will will follow on from the Conservation Management Plan adopted by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage earlier this year.
Lake Macquarie City Council's recreation and land planning coordinator Stephen Prince said council was consulting to find out how the community used Rathmines Park, and how they think it should be used and preserved into the future.
"We now want to know how the community uses Rathmines Park, and how they think it should be used and preserved into the future," Mr Prince said.
"Input we receive will help shape a vision that will enhance this important site's heritage, community and recreational features," he said.
HISTORY: The war memorial at Rathmines Park. Picture: Supplied
Catalina long-range patrol bombers, along with other aircraft, flew from Rathmines during World War II, conducting coastal patrols in search of enemy raiders.
The base closed in 1956, but many of its key features remain, including part of the north-east hangar, the former sergeants mess, the former officers mess and the base hospital.
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said parts of the site were listed on local and state heritage registers, reflecting their important role in Lake Macquarie's history, and more specifically in the role the RAAF base played in development of the surrounding community.
"Rathmines Park is regarded as the most intact seaplane base in Australia," Cr Fraser said.
"We want to ensure the master plan recognises and respects this important part of our nation's military history, while continuing to provide opportunities for community use and recreation."
