Malabar Headland Coastal Walkway

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Consultation has concluded

Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation.

  • Council resolved on 28 June 2016 to proceed with construction of the walkway, but to remove the access from Ford Rd following feedback from residents. View the report.
  • Council considered a report on the outcome of the consultation on 24 May 2016. View the report and resolution.
  • National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking feedback on the proposed eastern walkway. Find out more and have your say (consultation open 1-29 July).

Randwick City Council is working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to return public access to Malabar Headland with a new coastal walkway connecting South Maroubra Beach and Malabar Beach.

The proposed walkway will offer stunning ocean views across Malabar Headland to Maroubra Bay and will be the first public access to the newly declared Malabar Headland National Park in 150 years.

The 1km walking track has been designed to minimise impact to the natural environment such as the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and provide a direct connection through the National Park.

It will consist of a new 1500mm wide boardwalk constructed of fibreglass, stainless steel and timber. There will be seating and viewing areas taking in the panoramic vista.

This is an exciting new project and we want to know what you think!

This consultation is open from 1 - 31 March 2016.

More information: Phone 1300 722 542 or email council@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation.

  • Council resolved on 28 June 2016 to proceed with construction of the walkway, but to remove the access from Ford Rd following feedback from residents. View the report.
  • Council considered a report on the outcome of the consultation on 24 May 2016. View the report and resolution.
  • National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking feedback on the proposed eastern walkway. Find out more and have your say (consultation open 1-29 July).

Randwick City Council is working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to return public access to Malabar Headland with a new coastal walkway connecting South Maroubra Beach and Malabar Beach.

The proposed walkway will offer stunning ocean views across Malabar Headland to Maroubra Bay and will be the first public access to the newly declared Malabar Headland National Park in 150 years.

The 1km walking track has been designed to minimise impact to the natural environment such as the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and provide a direct connection through the National Park.

It will consist of a new 1500mm wide boardwalk constructed of fibreglass, stainless steel and timber. There will be seating and viewing areas taking in the panoramic vista.

This is an exciting new project and we want to know what you think!

This consultation is open from 1 - 31 March 2016.

More information: Phone 1300 722 542 or email council@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Consultation has concluded

Ask a question about the Malabar Headland Coastal Walkway project and Council staff will respond!

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    As the rifle range is on Commonwealth owned land and Council has no control over it who do we contact in the Government to find out what's happening? Thanks. Can't wait to roam free range in my park whenever I like.

    Tracey asked about 8 years ago

    Hi Tracey, to find out more about the rifle range you can contact the Department of Finance. They advise the best means for the public to make contact is via malabarheadland@finance.gov.au 

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    Why aren't you fighting for the WHOLE Headland to be handed to local people and the people of NSW? Is the Council going to support the sub-division and sale of the rest just like Prince Henry was lost to the public?

    Bob Strachan asked about 8 years ago

    Council’s position on the Malabar Headland is outlined in the Randwick City Plan and includes an action for the four year delivery program (2013-2017) to:
    "Advocate the return of the remaining Commonwealth land at Malabar Headland to community open space."

    To view the plan, visit (see page 53): http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/10279/20_Year_Randwick_City_Plan.pdf


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    What is a plan to reopen Malabar SMAC aero modelling club?

    azarov00 asked about 8 years ago

    The Sydney Model Aero Club's use of Malabar headland was subject to a lease agreement between the Commonwealth Department of Finance and the club. The club was required to vacate the site with all other users in 2011 when asbestos was found to present a health hazard. Any further use of the central lot of the Malabar headland site would be subject to a lease agreement between the club and the Commonwealth as owners of the land.

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    Has the landscape architects included any wheelchair users when planning this track? It seems incredible that in the middle of the track you are putting in a set if stairs. Go and watch who is using the coast walk and you wont see any wheelchairs - because it not accessible at all. There is a spinal unit at Randwick and Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is at Little Bay - disabled people should be included in this facility

    Neil McLennan asked about 8 years ago

    Hi Neil, we appreciate your comment.  In planning the proposed track,  Council and the landscape architects were mindful of providing an accessible walking track.  Unfortunately, in an effort to retain significant vegetation and to traverse some very steep topography, we have been unable to avoid the one set of stairs you are referring to in the plan.


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    Hi Council and thanks for the forum. I have two questions: 1. The coastal walk along Maroubra currently is quite heavily laden with dog excrement due to walkers who do not pick up after their dog. This walk will be built in a sensitive natural environment in a national park. How will it be protected from dogs, and how will these measures be enforced? 2. The walkway is only substandard to a coastal walkway, which I understand is regrettably not within your control at the moment. Will the Council's official position continue to be to strongly lobby the Commonwealth government and the State for the return of ALL of the headland to the community so it can be availably for recreational use by everyone?

    O G asked about 8 years ago

    Hi G, dogs are not permitted in NSW National Parks. Signage will be included at the entrances of the walking track to inform pet owners of park regulations. Enforcement of park regulations is carried out by National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Rangers. Some regional parks can and do allow dog walking. You can find the National Parks and Wildlife Service, 'Pets in Parks’ Policy along with a list of regional parks which allow dog walking at; http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-and-heritage/care-for-parks/dogs-in-parks

    NPWS have begun the planning for a walking track in the eastern part of Malabar Headland National Park, which will connect South Maroubra Beach to Long Bay. While these plans are being developed, NPWS will maintain an interim Class 4 walking route between these locations (Class 4 tracks are defined as long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited and bushwalking experience is recommended). This mostly on-ground track will be open for public use by June this year. We agree that a walkway should be built around the coastline and this is Council's long-term plan.


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    If the walkway is going to protect the environment from foottraffic, wouldn't it also significantly reduce any impact from responsible dogwalkers who cleanup after themselves and have dogs on leads? Is there anyway to get an exemption from the State National Park prohibition on dogs and manage the pathway so that dogwalkers can use the whole coastal walkway and not have to go around from Pioneer Park to Maroubra beach?

    Cesare asked about 8 years ago

    Dogs are not permitted in NSW National Parks, although some regional parks can and do allow dog walking. You can find the National Parks and Wildlife Service, 'Pets in Parks’ Policy along with a list of regional parks which allow dog walking at; http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-and-heritage/care-for-parks/dogs-in-parks . There are a number of on and off leash open spaces adjacent to Malabar Headland National Park, a list of these locations can be found at; http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/services/animals-and-pets/off-leash-dog-areas


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    What action is intended to eradicate bitou bush which is infesting the whole of this coastal area including The Coast gold course?

    PSD asked about 8 years ago

    The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently conducting bush regeneration activities including weed supression at Malabar Headland National Park and will continue to do so into the future. Bitou Bush is being targeted by both contractors and the community volunteer group, the Friends of Malabar Headland. The Friends of Malabar Headland have been carrying out activities to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the headland for over 15 years . If you would like to volunteer with the Friends of Malabar Headland or find out more, visit http://malabarheadland.org.au/


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    May I clear up an error stated by one questioner to start. He called the centre Commonwealth controlled portion (the Rifle Range) the South Maroubra Shooting Range, designed it appears to assign it diminutive status for the unknowing. It is in fact The "Anzac Rifle Range, Malabar" and the facilities therein include heritage-worthy items themselves concerning the training of generations of ANZACs for the defence of the realm and eventually Australia. The NSW Rifle Association is the current tenant and it has a licence agreement with the Commonwealth, proven in the Supreme Court, to be in perpetuity until a replacement is found in the metropolitan area that is suitable to their needs. Instead of attempting to ignore the "elephant in the room of the green dream" to turn this entire area over to walkers, navel gazers, druggies and vandals, perhaps those who'd like to make "legal" use of this Commonwealth property should try one of the best participation sports going, an activity that can be done from 12 to 95, able or disabled, male, female or trans (if you like), people from all social stratum and occupations. It challenges brain, not brawn and is not peopled by rednecks and the uneducated. Those who wish to get rid of the shooters just need to accept that uses of land can include activities that they may not like. Live and let live and stop trying to make a battle out of this situation. Accept it and make friends with shooters; don't demonise us as we are the most law-abiding, stable members of your society.

    Marcus asked about 8 years ago

    Thank you Marcus for your comment. While this forum has been setup to provide the opportunity for questions and answers from Council or NPWS, I have decided to publish this comment in the interest of open and constructive dialogue between all parties. Kind regards Josh Hay, Manager Communication.

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    As the Coastal Walk (once extended along coast-edge of golf courses to South of Malabar) will be stair-less and fully 'accessible' from North Coogee to at least Little Bay (or maybe even La Perouse), why would Council introduce one set of stairs in this 4-8km length of 'accessible' walkway? Surely the the alternative to this one flight of stairs is to 'curve' the walkway route towards the West (ie staying in NP land) to slowly gain the height, rather than building a set of stairs to go directly up edge of rock-face. Especially with raised walkway, this change to avoid stairs is 'easy' (as an engineer who has walked whole area). The curved path that climbs from Bronte playground North to Marine Parade is a 60+ year old design done properly, whereas the endless stairs where path passes cemetery South of Bronte is a 10yo design that was done poorly, due to its excessive use of stairs. Can Council please 'step-up' to a better less-discriminatory design?

    GraemeHarrison asked about 8 years ago

    Hi Graeme, thanks for your considered comment.  Council has engaged the services of Landscape Architects who are experts in the design of walkways and trails.  In planning the construction of the new walkway, Council has attempted to minimise the use of stairs to ensure the highest level of accessibility.  Working in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Council considered a range of options to provide access in areas where the topography changes, including ramps. Unfortunately, in an effort to retain significant vegetation and to traverse some very steep topography, we have been unable to avoid stairs in some parts of the track.  It would be great to meet you at our Drop-in session on Saturday 19 March, 9-10am where we can discuss your comment further with the architects and National Parks.


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    Is it disability-friendly? i.e. can a person using a walker negotiate it?

    scrapstrial asked about 8 years ago

    Some sections of the track will require the construction of stairs to ensure safe access over escarpments, rock ledges and changes in topography, as well as protecting significant vegetation.  Council has engaged the services of landscape architects who are experts in the design of walkways and trails, and have attempted to minimise the use of stairs as much as possible to ensure the highest level of accessibility.