The masterplans are designed to provide a vision for each site, and plan for development that can occur in a “realistic and achievable manner”.

A site analysis, opportunities and developments are outlined in each document.

Opportunities identified at Mount View Park (also known as The Basin) include a skate park, more parking, remediation of the embankment and a potential cycleway/pedestrian path connecting to the future Bellbird North development.

Turner Park at Aberdare has been earmarked as a possible site for Cessnock’s new aquatic centre. The masterplan also proposes either renovating or rebuilding the amenities building, more lighting around the Cessnock Youth Centre and Outreach Service (CYCOS) building, and upgrades to the tennis clubhouse and soccer and athletics facilities.

The masterplan for Branxton’s Miller Park includes the opportunity for a new public square, a children’s bicycle circuit, more shade and better access and parking.

Cessnock City Council’s open space and community facilities manager Nicole Benson said the works outlined within the masterplans can be considered in future operation plans and delivery programs.

“The adoption of the masterplans is also important to support grant applications as it provides a clear strategic frame work for future developments at each of the sites,” she said.

The masterplans will be on public exhibition at Cessnock City Council’s administration building and Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries and on council’s website until Friday, October 13.

A masterplan for Bridges Hill Park at East Cessnock is also currently on public exhibition, closing the same day.

Meanwhile, Cessnock City Council voted at last week’s meeting to endorse development control, public domain and implementation plans for the Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project, on the condition that the plans be reviewed in 12 months time.

The recommendation was passed seven votes to two, with councillors Ian Olsen and John Fagg voting against it. Cr Olsen said the plan provided “no guarantees”, was a “poor vision” and that he could not see how council will come up with the money to make it happen.

Mayor Bob Pynsent and Cr Di Fitzgibbon declared an interest in the report and took no part in voting. Councillors Anthony Burke and Paul Dunn were absent from the meeting.

The council also voted to adopt the East Cessnock Flying Fox Camp Management Plan at the same meeting.