BUSHWALKERS will be able to take new tracks in their stride as Lake Macquarie City Council pushes ahead on a 10-year plan to improve access to Munibung Hill.
It's taken the council "literally years" to get to this point, councillor Brian Adamthwaite said.
"I think that's appropriate, because I think this is one of those momentous things we get to do from time to time in council," he said.
"I believe that this potentially is going to create something great for our city and for our citizens, but I think potentially it is going to create something great for the future of our city, our children and grandchildren.
"I think we need to pause for a moment and recognise that many, many people - staff and community - have worked hard to get us here and many, many people in the future will enjoy the decision we make here tonight."
The council voted unanimously to pass the plan for Munibung Hill at its meeting on Monday.
Located at the northern end of Lake Macquarie, the site has been identified as an important landmark with the potential to become a popular recreational space for a rapidly growing community.
The council plans to use the next decade to restore natural areas and species, protect Awabakwal cultural interests, stabilise slopes and improve recreation opportunities on what are now eroded, "dangerous" and steep tracks.
It's a rare opportunity for peace and quiet amid rapid urban development, including residential, commercial and industrial land.
The south-western side of Munibung Hill, at the former Hawkins Quarry site, is in the process of being remediated for a residential subdivision expected to only grow the need for outdoor recreational spaces.
It's hoped there's a 20 per cent increase in the number of people using the tracks by 2032, with the potential for natural tourism partnerships beyond that.
But, it won't be open to everybody - as the complex terrain raises access issues for people with disabilities and the council making it clear mountain bikers won't be welcome on the tracks.
Cr David Belcher said community interest in the project has been significant.
"Very well done to staff, this is a fantastic document and it really does provide a way forward and a framework for council on the Munibung Hill site," he said.
"Again, kudos to everyone involved and thank you especially to community participation in this fairly long event."
After a review of feedback, the council decided to remove a proposal for public toilets and picnic facilities at trail head locations near Blaxland Road, Macquarie Hills and Quarry Road at Speers Point.
The trail head locations were chosen because they're on council-owned land and are already used by the public - sites on the Boolaroo side of the hill have been earmarked for future investigation.
The council will undertake a feasibility assessment at the detailed design stage to confirm the costs and benefits of the track works and plans to use funds from the Glendale Contributions Plan, as well as state government grants.
It hopes to fund 75 per cent of the project from both.
