The Glenrock State Conservation Area is popular with bushwalkers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horse riders, beach users and nature lovers.

And, now, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is seeking community feedback on a new draft plan of management and a draft mountain biking proposal for the Highfields location.

Nestled on Newcastle’s urban fringes, the 550-hectare conservation area attracts more than one million visitors each year.

The draft plan of management recommends new upgraded walking tracks; carpark with a horse-float and bus drop-off area; more cultural interpretation signs; formalised entry points to limit environmental impacts; and a track signage policy, which will identify trails suitable for walking, running and mountain biking to address shared-use conflicts and visitor safety.

Meanwhile, the draft mountain biking plan, aligned with the NPWS Cycling Strategy, suggests establishing 21km of new trails and features; using 10km of existing mountain bike trails; repurposing 7.6km of existing unauthorised trails; closing 30km of unauthorised trails that are unsafe or unsustainable; and prioritising improving mountain bike trail accessibility for park users with restricted mobility.

“Given the huge community interest, we’re looking forward to receiving feedback on the two concepts,” Acting NPWS Hunter Central Coast director Doug Beckers said.

“This is about balance – we need to protect Glenrock’s cultural and natural values, while supporting recreational activities that are safe and don’t damage the environment.

“Glenrock is a conservation area in the traditional Country of the Awabakal people and forms part of a rich cultural landscape cared for by Aboriginal families and groups for thousands of years.

“It is also home to five threatened ecological communities, including littoral rainforest and 10 threatened animal species such as the squirrel glider.

“We propose to minimise impacts from the new network by using already disturbed areas wherever possible, such as easements and powerline corridors.”

Glenrock State Conservation Area is listed on the State Heritage Register for its evidence of the early coal mining history.

“So, plans of management are legal documents NPWS develops and maintains to guide how a park will be sustainably managed,” Mr Beckers said.

“We’ve consulted extensively with multiple park user groups over two years.

“The proposed new mountain bike trail network has been professionally designed to provide opportunities for riders of different ages and ability levels.

“NPWS has committed more than $2 million to enhance walking tracks and upgrade visitor facilities in Glenrock State Conservation Area, as part of the NSW Government’s largest investment in national parks history with $450 million for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects.

“National parks provide a huge boost to the visitor economy in the Hunter, generating $618 million per year in economic activity and supporting more than 420 jobs.”

The two drafts are currently on exhibition.

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