Have Your Say on Lawson Crown Lands' draft masterplan

Blue Mountains City Council has developed a draft masterplan on the future use and management of the Lawson Crown Lands (former golf course) and invites community feedback on the proposal.   The aim of the masterplan is to guide the development of recreational and community based activities proposed for the site. The draft masterplan (Stage 1) has been informed by extensive community consultation, research and planning and represents a range of community views and needs, as well as recognising its current use as a dog off-leash area.    The Lawson Crown Land is a significant parcel of community land in the Blue Mountains. The site is accessible and well-located for a range of uses.   A Council spokesperson said: “We want to make the most of this opportunity to invest in the social amenity and recreational facilities for the Blue Mountains community for years to come.”   The draft masterplan identifies two stages for implementation. The focus of Stage 1 is on passive recreation and includes a fenced dog off-leash area, shared loop path, enhanced detention pond with picnic facilities and nature play as well as an enhanced riparian buffer.   The focus of Stage 2 is on active reaction (sport) and potential new uses of the site including new sporting facilities, parking and amenities. Additional investigation however, is required into the need for sports facilities and options for Stage 2 and is planned for the near future.   The draft masterplan is only a concept at this stage. All community feedback will be considered and will inform the final masterplan. 

Detailed designs will be prepared once the masterplan is adopted.   The draft masterplan is consistent with the adopted Companion Animals Management Plan; Dogs in Public Spaces Strategic Plan; and the Open Space and Recreation Strategic Plan.

The proposed fenced dog off-leash area is about 3ha and as specified in the Dogs in Public Spaces Strategic Plan, dogs can also be taken into all other Council managed public spaces as long as they are on-leash.    The community is invited and encouraged to view the draft plans and provide feedback. Submissions will be received until close of business on 18 April 2019. You can access the draft documents and a submission form on Council’s Have Your Say website at https://yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/lawson and hard copies will be available at the Lawson branch Library and Council’s Springwood and Katoomba offices.

Photo: Have Your Say on the future use of the Lawson Crown Lands (former golf course).