Draft Precinct Plan - Former Katoomba Golf Course site

At this extraordinary time, at an extraordinary site in our City within a World Heritage Area, we have an amazing opportunity to do something special and to do things differently. Our City is perfectly positioned to explore ways to care for our planet’s natural systems and share these solutions globally. With Traditional Custodians, our community, educators and researchers, Council is exploring opportunities related to Planetary Health initiatives at the former Katoomba Golf Course Precinct.

This Draft Precinct Plan seeks to do things differently. A strong ambition to restore the health of this precinct underpins the thinking and design considerations behind this plan, and reflects the knowledge shared with us by Traditional Owners. A particular focus has been placed on water health, water connections within the site and into the Kedumba catchment, and the important role of water in the broader well-being of Country.

The Draft Precinct Plan investigates the former Katoomba Golf Course (KGC) site; a place which presents a unique opportunity to create a sustainable and adaptable Planetary Health Precinct that is recognised across Australia as a model for learning, experimentation and sharing. The Draft Plan considers what must be done to protect and preserve the attributes of this pivotal site, and to reactivate it as a thriving, healthy, sustainable, and cherished precinct for the community.

It also reinforces the strategic importance of this site for education, sustainable tourism and creativity, while also factoring in financial sustainability to enable delivery of key activities and outcomes. The implementation of this Draft Precinct Plan will create an adaptable, educative, and evolving site which contributes to positive long-term environmental, cultural, economic, and social outcomes for the Blue Mountains.

This document sets out the vision, principles, and objectives for the future development of the precinct and presents potential land uses and activation proposals to be implemented over the short, medium, and long term. Some of these include:

• Create spaces for meeting and gathering including the creation of yarning circles as a first action for the precinct;
• Develop multi-purpose and adaptable spaces for formal and informal learning, education, research and creative experimentation;
• Develop Planetary Health demonstration opportunities as part of any future development, using renewable technology and climate responsive solutions;
• Protect, restore and regenerate environmentally significant areas
• Investigate suitable locations for sustainable food growing and horticulture with the help of community groups and experts;
• Adapt existing infrastructure for sustainable hospitality experiences, resource sharing and creative making;
• Develop and demonstrate innovative water management as integral to restoration, recharge and stormwater mitigation;
• Provide managed public access to natural recreation areas and low-impact activities such as walking and nature play;
• Create focus areas for events, arts and cultural activities;
• Integrate engaging discovery opportunities across the site for visitors of all demographics including schools and tertiary education students; and
• Investigate low-impact, temporary accommodation opportunities associated with activities on site.

How can I comment on the draft Precinct Plan?

This draft Precinct Plan is on public exhibition until 28 April 2023. You are invited to comment on the Draft Precinct Plan before this date and join our Community Information Sessions & Information Day to learn more about the draft plan, ask questions and provide feedback.

Have your say

You can provide your written submission in any of the following ways:

• Complete the online survey
• Email your submission to the City Planning Team at EPSKGCPrecinctPlan@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
• Post your written submission to: Manager, BMCC City Planning, Locked Bag 1005 Katoomba NSW 2780.

While all submissions count, they are most effective when we understand your ideas and the outcomes you want for the precinct. Some suggestions to help you write your submission are:

• tell us specifically what you agree/disagree with and why
• give reasoning in support of your points – this makes it easier for us to consider your ideas and helps avoid misinterpretation
• note which page of the document your comments relate to.

Your comments will be used to inform the final version of the precinct plan.

Want to learn more? Join our Community Information Workshops

Monday 20 March, 5.30-7pm - Community Information Workshop #1
RSVP essential via Eventbrite, register here

Tuesday 21 March, 10.30am-12pm - Community Information Workshop #2 + Site Tour
RSVP essential via Eventbrite, register here
Following the information session we will host a tour of the precinct for those who would like to join us from 12-1.30pm.

Saturday, 1 April, 10am-3pm - Community Information Day
RSVP essential via Eventbrite, register here
Join us for a range of activities and drop-in information sessions to learn more about the proposed activations for the precinct.

Monday, 24 April, 5.30-7pm - Online Community Information Workshop #3
Hosted via Zoom. RSVP essential via Eventbrite, register here

Wednesday, 26 April, 10.30am-12pm - Community Information Workshop #4 + Site Tour
RSVP essential via Eventbrite, register here
Following the information session we will host a tour of the precinct, for those who would like to join us, from 12-1.30pm.

What happens next?

• The Draft Precinct Plan will be on public exhibition for community feedback until 28 April 2023.
• After the public exhibition period closes, feedback received from the community, along with internal and external stakeholder consultation will be analysed and the draft Plan reviewed. Depending on the feedback received there is likely to be further community consultation conducted on key matters. If significant changes are made to the plan following community consultation, a subsequent public exhibition may be appropriate. Once finalised following community input, the Precinct Plan will be reported the Council for adoption. It is anticipated this would occur in mid to late 2023.
• Anyone who has made a submission to the draft Precinct Plan will be notified of future engagement opportunities as well as when the Precinct Plan is being reported to a Council meeting.