PORT Stephens Council conducted a community drop in session at Birubi Surf Life Saving Club on 12 August to allow members of the wider community an opportunity to learn about the proposed plans for Birubi Point.

The plans detailed how the site will be developed and the cultural significance of the place for the Worimi.

Birubi Point is a sanctioned Aboriginal Place under NSW legislation and a plan of management is a requirement for the management of the site.

Steve Bernasconi of Port Stephens Council told News Of The Area, “We were overwhelmed by the positive response.”

“At least 150 people dropped in and asked questions and talked about Aboriginal cultural values and how we can protected and respect it”.

“The Master Plan sets the overarching view of what might be done and this will be supported by the management plan that will come in stage three of the consultation,” he said.

Birubi Point is an area which many different community groups access and is of considerable significance to the Worimi people.

The plan includes ensuring that contemporary values are also considered and are integrated into the ten year plan which includes the surf club, car parks and amenities.

If all goes to schedule the Birubi Point Plan of Management will be one of the first things that the new Councillors will vote on for Port Stephens after the 9 September elections.

For those who missed the drop in session you can find out more at the Council’s website www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au

 

By Marian SAMPSON