Due diligence complete for Eastern Hill Activation Master Plan

The 77-hectare reserve – which includes Devils Glen and Doctors Point Reserve – is valued for its natural environment, views from the Eastern Hill Rotary Lookout, and significant cultural connections, including to Mungabareena Reserve, declared an Aboriginal Place in 2016.

The assessments, undertaken by independent consultants, were commissioned following Council’s endorsement of the Master Plan in November 2023 to ensure environmental and cultural values were properly understood and protected before any detailed design work.

Although Council has not yet allocated funding to advance the Master Plan, these assessments confirm the proposed projects can move forward in the future with minimal impact on the area’s environmental and cultural values, should funding sources become available.

The Biodiversity Assessment and associated Vegetation Management Plan found the overall impact from implementing the Master Plan is likely to be low, with no significant effect on threatened species or ecological communities under State or Commonwealth legislation. Recommendations include retaining key native tree species wherever possible and enhancing habitat values through ongoing management.

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Due Diligence Assessment, undertaken by OzArk Environment & Heritage in consultation with the AlburyCity Aboriginal Advisory Group and Dyirramalang Elders Group, found no previously recorded Aboriginal sites or objects in the study area.

However, Elders identified important intangible cultural values, including the precinct’s role as a vantage point during the Bogong Moth Festival and as a sanctuary for people, animals and plants in times of flood. Elders recommended that the area remain as undisturbed as possible while continuing to allow public access.

“Like Monument Hill, Eastern Hill is a popular vantage point for locals and visitors, providing wonderful views across the region. If the design is progressed in future, we can move forward with confidence knowing due diligence has been undertaken, while respecting the area’s significance,” Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said.

The due diligence process also included a public consultation period from 9 January to 6 February 2025, attracting 51 contributions from 26 individuals. Feedback was provided to the consultants for consideration in the final reports.

The due diligence assessments will now be shared with the AlburyCity Aboriginal Advisory Group and Dyirramalang Elders Group and published on Council’s website.