Mount Keira stands guard over the city of Wollongong. It sits atop of the escarpment and the summit park provides arguably the most spectacular views of the city, the northern reaches and the South Coast. Nestled at the foot of Mount Keira sits the Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
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Not that long ago, to coincide with the arrival of cruise ships in the region, the Illawarra Mercury ran a competition asking for people to provide tourism opportunity ideas and a gondola up Mount Keira was one which was constantly raised.
Yet it was interesting to note a front page of this masthead some 20 years earlier envisaging exactly the same thing. What that says is this region has been talking about the potential for far too long and ultimately there has been very little action.
On Tuesday, our front page headline read: “Mountain of Possibilities”. It coincided with the council finally tabling its vision to create a “vibrant recreation and tourism hub” at the Mount Keira Summit Park. The management plan will go before council next Monday.
Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the management plan clearly identifies the council’s priorities for the iconic area.
"The plan gives a broad outline of where the council is headed with its plans for the site and the conservation values," he told the Illawarra Mercury.
Among the things considered are improved tracks and lookouts including the reinstatement of the Five Islands Lookout, new trails and a high ropes course, upgraded facilities and aboriginal cultural activities.
This city, this region, has waited so long for Mount Keira to be activated properly. Council must move forward with the appropriate levels of care and consultation, but it must move forward.
This must not stay as a “good idea” for another 20 years.
The Rotary Club of Wollongong, which established the summit park as a gift to the city of Wollongong, will hold a working bee and would welcome members of the public at Mount Keira on Wednesday night (October 24) from 5 pm. Bring gloves and a picnic tea,
