Parks and Playgrounds Movement welcomes the State Government’s recognition of Newcastle’s Coal River Precinct and the support for its placement on the NSW State Heritage Register.

The Hon Dr Andrew Refshauge announcement today is particularly important because the anniversary of the founding of the permanent settlement of Newcastle 30^th March 2004 is just one year away.

Parks and Playgrounds Movement wants a Coal River Precinct Masterplan that will coordinate the future development of the Coal River Precinct completed for next year.

The Masterplaning process will review all historic activities associated with the precinct and integrate the polices of those authorities having an interest in the precinct.

Mr Doug Lithgow briefs the visiting parliamentary party and pictured with Hon. Dr Refshauge and Member for Newcastle Bryce Gaudry

It will indicate the gap in the historical knowledge of the settlement and aboriginal prehistory.

We hope that a Coal River Museum or interpretation centre can be established with access to the original convict coal mines beneath the Fort.

The Coal River Precinct encompasses the broad sweep of history from Aboriginal occupation to the beginnings of the Coal Mining Industry and industrial development at Newcastle - the building of the massive breakwater (Macquarie Pier) with convict labour and the military fortifications of Fort Scratchley.

Doug Lithgow with his hands on the Fort Strachley's 6" Mark VII Coastal Gun