John Oxley Reserve

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Recreational Trail Concept Plan on exhibition

Council is improving the recreational walking trail within John Oxley Reserve in Kirkham.

The project was identified in the Camden Green and Blue Grid Vision and is funded through the NSW Government's Places to Roam program. It aims to improve community wellbeing and connect people to the landscape.

This proposed trail provides a network of paths and vantage points looking over the Camden valley and Great Dividing Range. It also includes wayfinding signage and builds upon Council's existing partnership with Greening Australia.

A draft Concept Plan has been developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and now we'd like your feedback.

Did we get it right?

Join us at a drop-in session on Thursday 24 August, 3.30-5.30pm, to share your ideas and find out more information. The session will be held near the entrance to John Oxley Reserve on The Lanes in Kirkham.

Can't make it? No problem! View the draft plan online and provide feedback by Wednesday 30 August 2023.

Submissions can be:

completed using the online submission form (below) ↓
hand delivered during business hours to our Administration Building, 70 Central Avenue, Oran Park NSW 2570
posted to Camden Council, PO Box 183, Camden NSW 2570
sent via email to mail@camden.nsw.gov.au

Concept Plan

Examples of features which can be incorporated into the Reserve — Examples of features which could be incorporated into the John Oxley Reserve:

The Site

John Oxley Reserve is a popular green space in Kirkham which offers a place to walk and admire views of the surrounding area. Access to the reserve is via The Lanes near Macquarie Grove Road.

Location

The site enjoys vistas across the valley towards Camden and the Great Dividing Range.

Rural vista of John Oxley Reserve in Kirkham

Make a submission

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Community consultation

August 2023
Timeline item 2 - complete

Collate and consider feedback

September 2023
Timeline item 3 - complete

Report to Council

November 2023
Timeline item 4 - active

Detailed Design and Construction

January - June 2024
Timeline item 5 - incomplete

Project completed

Mid 2024

Document Library

Frequently Asked Questions

We've anticipated and answered some questions below. If you have further questions please contact the team below.

In February 2022 Council accepted funding from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment - Places to Roam grant program, for the provision of a recreational trail at John Oxley Reserve, Kirkham.

The objectives of the Places to Roam program are to:

Support community health and wellbeing for NSW residents;
Contribute to the post pandemic economic recovery of NSW through the creation of jobs, stimulating businesses and the recreation and visitor economy;
Support investment in the creation of high-quality public open spaces to create a lasting community benefit;
Address shortfalls in freely accessible public places; and
Contribute to the delivery of the NSW Government priority for Greener Public Spaces by increasing the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space by 10% by 2023.

For more information, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/open-space/open-spaces-program/places-to-roam.

The aim of the John Oxley Reserve Recreation Trail project is:

To unlock public land and build upon Council’s growing network of recreational walking trails;
Provide quality open space that supports multiple uses; and
Assist in creating public facilities that build a sustainable, inclusive, and healthy community.

In addition, the project will encourage connection and appreciation of the environmental regeneration works being undertaken in the Reserve by Camden Council and Greening Australia.

The John Oxley Recreational Trail project includes a recreational pathway that will create several route options which connect the regenerated bushland areas, ridgelines, and water feature within the Reserve.

Works will include:

Grass and granite pathways;
Drainage treatments;
Viewing platforms;
Reserve entrance improvements;
Drinking fountain;
Wayfinding and environmental interpretation signage;
Landscaping works; and
Park furniture.

Council consulted with relevant government and non-government stakeholders including Greening Australia and the Department of Planning and Environment during the planning phase of this project.

We're now inviting the community to comment.

As part of the funding agreement, Council is required to complete construction works by 30 June 2024.

The project will be delivered in portions and works completed by specialist contractors.

Construction is expected to commence in January 2024.

The draft Concept Plan is available on this website with hard copies available at Camden Civic Centre, and Camden, Narellan and Oran Park Libraries.

Council staff will be available on site at the entry to John Oxley Reserve, The Lanes, Kirkham on Thursday 24 August 3.30–5.30pm to discuss the plans for the site.

If you would like to comment on the draft Concept Plan, please submit your comments via the online submission form or email mail@camden.nsw.gov.au by Wednesday 30 August 2023.

Contact the Team

Have a question or would like to learn more? Please contact the team.

Name	Sport and Recreation Planning Team
Phone	13 Camden (13 226 336)
Email	mail@camden.nsw.gov.au

For translation assistance please use the translation tool at the top of the page or contact the Australian Government Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to ring Camden Council on 13 226 336.

For hearing or speech assistance please contact the National Relay Service.