Mount Glen Rock
The 127 ha property known as Mount Glen Rock was purchased by Somerset Regional Council on behalf of the community in 2020 for purposes of outdoor recreation and conservation. Mount Glen Rock is an iconic feature in the regional landscape and is an integral part of Esk's identity. The property adjoins an additional 81 ha of reserve land for which Council is the trustee, making a total site area of 208.1 ha.
Mount Glen Rock will be developed and managed in line with below vision and mission.
Vision
Deliver a uniquely Somerset outdoor recreational experience, that connects the natural environment and scenic beauty of the site to a vibrant local community.
Mission
Inspire Somerset residents and visitors to experience, admire and benefit from Mount Glen Rock.
Mount Glen Rock Project Development Principles
Council has endorsed the following principles to guide the future development of the project:
1. Deliver positive economic outcomes for the Somerset Region
- Create direct employment opportunities through the construction and operation phases
- Create indirect employment opportunities through the construction and operation phases
- Increase overnight visitation to the Somerset Region
- Decrease unemployment, especially youth unemployment
- Encourage the development of tourism experiences
- Encourage the creation and relocation of businesses within and to the Region that support eco-tourism
- Knowledge transfer of expert trail construction contracts to local contractors
- Offset operational costs through non-traditional means
2. Complement the Esk township
- Bespoke development to suit the character of Esk
- A new / additional revenue stream, not a primary revenue stream
- Connection nodes / infrastructure that complement the transition from rural town to rural bush
- Encourage visitation through the town CBD
- Protect resident privacy
- Protect resident enjoyment rural environment
3. Highlight and protect environmental and cultural values
- Identify areas, sites, fauna and flora of environmental and cultural significance
- Highlight, protect, educate, reflect and celebrate environment and cultural values
- Develop and implement re-vegetation programs using native species that complement known environmental and cultural values
- Mitigate through protection
- Partner with relevant organisations and traditional custodians to develop management plans
- Develop fire management plans in partnership with local organisations
- Recognise early settler development
4. Deliver outcomes for the community
- Create facilities that cater to all abilities and encourage use by Somerset residents
- Encourage the creation of local community user groups
- Partner with organisations to develop the site
- Post development, create an Advisory Committee featuring representatives of the community to oversee the site
5. Deliver a unique recreational experience
- Natural adventure
- Wows, not yahoos
- Connection and enjoyment
- Create outdoor recreation facilities that complement Mount Glen Rock
- Install modern and industry aligned directional signage
- Integrate connections between activity types
6. A high quality facility, sustainably developed
- Quality over quantity
- Invest now to save spending later
- A well-planned facility that grows with demand
- Prioritised development
- High standard and world class construction techniques
- Rain, hail or shine this place will be in operation
- Comprehensive drainage
- Fire resistant infrastructure
- Connection to parking and amenities
The project is overseen by the Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee, chaired by the Council CEO.
Community consultation regarding the project was conducted in 2022 and the high volume of feedback received will be integrated into detailed designs and management planning.
Council is ensuring that an understanding of the site's cultural and ecological values is achieved before proceeding with the project. The following bodies of work have been completed to date:
Background Reports
DRAFT Master Plan
Cultural Heritage Assessment
A Cultural Heritage Assessment is currently being undertaken and will be finalised in 2025.
Following completion of the Cultural Heritage Assessment, all reports, plans and community feedback will be considered as the project progresses towards a detailed design that strives to achieve a balance of all considerations.
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