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Hill 60, Port Kembla - Accessibility and Viewing Area Upgrades

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Consultation has concluded

Hill 60 is a heritage-listed Aboriginal site and is also the location of the World War II installation the Illowra Battery. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2001.

Council has gained all the approvals needed to start working on the Hill 60 Landscape Master Plan. Works planned will make the area better for everyone who visits and protect the significant heritage values of the area.

In this first stage of works, we will focus on the Marine Rescue headland area, which has great views of the Five Islands and Port Kembla Harbour. We will improve safety for people walking and driving and make it easier for visitors to learn about the history of the site. The viewing area will incorporate interpretive artwork celebrating the site's rich Aboriginal heritage as well as recognising the site's military significance.

Works include:

  • Installation of high-quality concrete pavements for an accessible footpath and the viewing area
  • Pavement art about the heritage of Hill 60
  • Installation of corrosion resistant safety balustrading, with heritage signage
  • Landscaping and tree planting.

A grant from the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund was gained to assist in the funding of these works.

Hill 60 is already a popular destination for locals and tourists, and this project will make it more accessible, provide improved viewing areas and share history of this place.

For more information:

  • View the Upgrade Plan
  • Read the FAQs
  • Ask a question
  • Drop into the information session at Hill 60 on Saturday 22 July 2023, between 11am and 1pm
  • Register to join the online meeting on 18 July 2023 at 5pm to learn about the upgrade.

To share your thoughts you can:

Any feedback or questions are due by July 31 2023. 

Accessibility or language assistance

If you're d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You'll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 8222 when using these services.

Hill 60 is a heritage-listed Aboriginal site and is also the location of the World War II installation the Illowra Battery. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2001.

Council has gained all the approvals needed to start working on the Hill 60 Landscape Master Plan. Works planned will make the area better for everyone who visits and protect the significant heritage values of the area.

In this first stage of works, we will focus on the Marine Rescue headland area, which has great views of the Five Islands and Port Kembla Harbour. We will improve safety for people walking and driving and make it easier for visitors to learn about the history of the site. The viewing area will incorporate interpretive artwork celebrating the site's rich Aboriginal heritage as well as recognising the site's military significance.

Works include:

  • Installation of high-quality concrete pavements for an accessible footpath and the viewing area
  • Pavement art about the heritage of Hill 60
  • Installation of corrosion resistant safety balustrading, with heritage signage
  • Landscaping and tree planting.

A grant from the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund was gained to assist in the funding of these works.

Hill 60 is already a popular destination for locals and tourists, and this project will make it more accessible, provide improved viewing areas and share history of this place.

For more information:

  • View the Upgrade Plan
  • Read the FAQs
  • Ask a question
  • Drop into the information session at Hill 60 on Saturday 22 July 2023, between 11am and 1pm
  • Register to join the online meeting on 18 July 2023 at 5pm to learn about the upgrade.

To share your thoughts you can:

Any feedback or questions are due by July 31 2023. 

Accessibility or language assistance

If you're d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You'll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 8222 when using these services.

Consultation has concluded

Ask a question and we'll respond to you as soon as possible. 

Please tell us if you'd like us to respond to you privately, otherwise, your question and our response may be published on this website.

  • Share Hi, Growing up in Port Kembla we spent many the days exploring all the WW2 bunkers and tunnels throughout our childhood. It was our favourite past time. Since then, they have been unmaintained and left to deteriorate. Please include the WW2 structures in the development plan as it is still very much part of our local rich history. We recognise and acknowledge the importance of preserving the Aboriginal heritage site and it is great to see Wollongong Council has too but we also need to preserve our recent history aswell. Take Auckland Harbour fortifications as an example. Very much restored/ preserved and maintained and used as a tourist destination including guided tours. The same could be done with Hill 60 which in turn would bring more tourism to the area. Especially historians and military/WW2 enthusiasts. Please don't let it disappear. Warm Regards, George Brangovits on Facebook Share Hi, Growing up in Port Kembla we spent many the days exploring all the WW2 bunkers and tunnels throughout our childhood. It was our favourite past time. Since then, they have been unmaintained and left to deteriorate. Please include the WW2 structures in the development plan as it is still very much part of our local rich history. We recognise and acknowledge the importance of preserving the Aboriginal heritage site and it is great to see Wollongong Council has too but we also need to preserve our recent history aswell. Take Auckland Harbour fortifications as an example. Very much restored/ preserved and maintained and used as a tourist destination including guided tours. The same could be done with Hill 60 which in turn would bring more tourism to the area. Especially historians and military/WW2 enthusiasts. Please don't let it disappear. Warm Regards, George Brangovits on Twitter Share Hi, Growing up in Port Kembla we spent many the days exploring all the WW2 bunkers and tunnels throughout our childhood. It was our favourite past time. Since then, they have been unmaintained and left to deteriorate. Please include the WW2 structures in the development plan as it is still very much part of our local rich history. We recognise and acknowledge the importance of preserving the Aboriginal heritage site and it is great to see Wollongong Council has too but we also need to preserve our recent history aswell. Take Auckland Harbour fortifications as an example. Very much restored/ preserved and maintained and used as a tourist destination including guided tours. The same could be done with Hill 60 which in turn would bring more tourism to the area. Especially historians and military/WW2 enthusiasts. Please don't let it disappear. Warm Regards, George Brangovits on Linkedin Email Hi, Growing up in Port Kembla we spent many the days exploring all the WW2 bunkers and tunnels throughout our childhood. It was our favourite past time. Since then, they have been unmaintained and left to deteriorate. Please include the WW2 structures in the development plan as it is still very much part of our local rich history. We recognise and acknowledge the importance of preserving the Aboriginal heritage site and it is great to see Wollongong Council has too but we also need to preserve our recent history aswell. Take Auckland Harbour fortifications as an example. Very much restored/ preserved and maintained and used as a tourist destination including guided tours. The same could be done with Hill 60 which in turn would bring more tourism to the area. Especially historians and military/WW2 enthusiasts. Please don't let it disappear. Warm Regards, George Brangovits link

    Hi, Growing up in Port Kembla we spent many the days exploring all the WW2 bunkers and tunnels throughout our childhood. It was our favourite past time. Since then, they have been unmaintained and left to deteriorate. Please include the WW2 structures in the development plan as it is still very much part of our local rich history. We recognise and acknowledge the importance of preserving the Aboriginal heritage site and it is great to see Wollongong Council has too but we also need to preserve our recent history aswell. Take Auckland Harbour fortifications as an example. Very much restored/ preserved and maintained and used as a tourist destination including guided tours. The same could be done with Hill 60 which in turn would bring more tourism to the area. Especially historians and military/WW2 enthusiasts. Please don't let it disappear. Warm Regards, George Brangovits

    George B asked 10 months ago

    Council is investigating potential future use of the Military tunnels. Investigation and assessment of the tunnels has been undertaken but at this stage the tunnels will remain closed and graffiti on the outside of the tunnels will be removed periodically.

  • Share Hill 60 is a very popular location for local paragliders. Will any there be any provision to maintain the takeoff/landing area for paragliders in these upgrades? on Facebook Share Hill 60 is a very popular location for local paragliders. Will any there be any provision to maintain the takeoff/landing area for paragliders in these upgrades? on Twitter Share Hill 60 is a very popular location for local paragliders. Will any there be any provision to maintain the takeoff/landing area for paragliders in these upgrades? on Linkedin Email Hill 60 is a very popular location for local paragliders. Will any there be any provision to maintain the takeoff/landing area for paragliders in these upgrades? link

    Hill 60 is a very popular location for local paragliders. Will any there be any provision to maintain the takeoff/landing area for paragliders in these upgrades?

    Paul Butler asked 10 months ago

    The proposed change to the car parking and viewing area near the Marine Rescue building will not impact the paragliding in this area. No trees are proposed to be planted on the lawn area to ensure that this lawn area was free from obstructions to allow for the activity.

  • Share I looked at the plan and noticed work shall be done on the tunnels which is fantastic.Hower it doesnt say there will be anything for people with limited mobility.You have the elderly ex military who would be interested in the history but like me cant handle steps.Its just a thought on Facebook Share I looked at the plan and noticed work shall be done on the tunnels which is fantastic.Hower it doesnt say there will be anything for people with limited mobility.You have the elderly ex military who would be interested in the history but like me cant handle steps.Its just a thought on Twitter Share I looked at the plan and noticed work shall be done on the tunnels which is fantastic.Hower it doesnt say there will be anything for people with limited mobility.You have the elderly ex military who would be interested in the history but like me cant handle steps.Its just a thought on Linkedin Email I looked at the plan and noticed work shall be done on the tunnels which is fantastic.Hower it doesnt say there will be anything for people with limited mobility.You have the elderly ex military who would be interested in the history but like me cant handle steps.Its just a thought link

    I looked at the plan and noticed work shall be done on the tunnels which is fantastic.Hower it doesnt say there will be anything for people with limited mobility.You have the elderly ex military who would be interested in the history but like me cant handle steps.Its just a thought

    sandie asked 10 months ago

    In the development of the Master Plan alternatives to the stair access was explored. Unfortunately, due to the significant level differences between the car park and the entry to the tunnels it would not be possible to install a compliant ramped access. There are also stairs inside the tunnels. 

    We are investigating future use of the tunnels, but the tunnels remain closed to public access. 


  • Share will the Illowa Battery be restored so that people can go inside and show their children the history without the graffiti .Perhaps monitored by community cameras? on Facebook Share will the Illowa Battery be restored so that people can go inside and show their children the history without the graffiti .Perhaps monitored by community cameras? on Twitter Share will the Illowa Battery be restored so that people can go inside and show their children the history without the graffiti .Perhaps monitored by community cameras? on Linkedin Email will the Illowa Battery be restored so that people can go inside and show their children the history without the graffiti .Perhaps monitored by community cameras? link

    will the Illowa Battery be restored so that people can go inside and show their children the history without the graffiti .Perhaps monitored by community cameras?

    sandie asked 10 months ago

    Council is investigating potential future use of the Military tunnels. Investigation and assessment of the tunnels has been undertaken but at this stage the tunnels will remain closed and graffiti on the outside of the tunnels will be removed periodically.  

  • Share Do you think that the redevelopment of Hill 60 will impact on Paragliding/Hanggliding operations? Was there any consultation with the relevant sports clus? on Facebook Share Do you think that the redevelopment of Hill 60 will impact on Paragliding/Hanggliding operations? Was there any consultation with the relevant sports clus? on Twitter Share Do you think that the redevelopment of Hill 60 will impact on Paragliding/Hanggliding operations? Was there any consultation with the relevant sports clus? on Linkedin Email Do you think that the redevelopment of Hill 60 will impact on Paragliding/Hanggliding operations? Was there any consultation with the relevant sports clus? link

    Do you think that the redevelopment of Hill 60 will impact on Paragliding/Hanggliding operations? Was there any consultation with the relevant sports clus?

    Peter Ffrench asked 11 months ago

    In the early stage of the development of the Masterplan the design team had feedback from Councils Recreational Planner to ensure that the design of the car park, footpath and viewing area did not restrict paragliding or hang gliding in this area. New feature trees were removed adjacent to the footpath to make sure there were no obstructions to the launch area.    

  • Share I am a paragliding pilot and fly Hill 60 all the time. How will this upgrade affect my ability to safely fly here? Hang gliders and paragliders have been flying H60 for decades and we hope to continue doing so for many more years to come. on Facebook Share I am a paragliding pilot and fly Hill 60 all the time. How will this upgrade affect my ability to safely fly here? Hang gliders and paragliders have been flying H60 for decades and we hope to continue doing so for many more years to come. on Twitter Share I am a paragliding pilot and fly Hill 60 all the time. How will this upgrade affect my ability to safely fly here? Hang gliders and paragliders have been flying H60 for decades and we hope to continue doing so for many more years to come. on Linkedin Email I am a paragliding pilot and fly Hill 60 all the time. How will this upgrade affect my ability to safely fly here? Hang gliders and paragliders have been flying H60 for decades and we hope to continue doing so for many more years to come. link

    I am a paragliding pilot and fly Hill 60 all the time. How will this upgrade affect my ability to safely fly here? Hang gliders and paragliders have been flying H60 for decades and we hope to continue doing so for many more years to come.

    Cath Mc asked 11 months ago

    The proposed change to the car parking and viewing area near the Marine Rescue building will not impact the paragliding or hang gliding in this area. No trees are proposed to be planted on the lawn area so it will remain free from any obstructions. 

  • Share will the top part of Hill 60 where the viewing tower is be renovated and all the over grown bush and Lantana be removed to get the views back lots of whales go past and it's impossible to see the whales with all the over grown trees and bushes blocking the views also will the headland next to mm Beach on the southern side have walking trials and seating to see the whales and dolphins that go past. It's all over grown bush and hard to a reds that area at the moment be great if we could have some walk. G trails so we can get close to see the dolphins along the shore line . Lots of dolphins come close to shore at MM Beach would be great if there were walking tracks and seating to e joys the dolphins as they come up close to the shore line of mm Beach. I took video footage of the dolphins at MM. Beach I can send you on Facebook Share will the top part of Hill 60 where the viewing tower is be renovated and all the over grown bush and Lantana be removed to get the views back lots of whales go past and it's impossible to see the whales with all the over grown trees and bushes blocking the views also will the headland next to mm Beach on the southern side have walking trials and seating to see the whales and dolphins that go past. It's all over grown bush and hard to a reds that area at the moment be great if we could have some walk. G trails so we can get close to see the dolphins along the shore line . Lots of dolphins come close to shore at MM Beach would be great if there were walking tracks and seating to e joys the dolphins as they come up close to the shore line of mm Beach. I took video footage of the dolphins at MM. Beach I can send you on Twitter Share will the top part of Hill 60 where the viewing tower is be renovated and all the over grown bush and Lantana be removed to get the views back lots of whales go past and it's impossible to see the whales with all the over grown trees and bushes blocking the views also will the headland next to mm Beach on the southern side have walking trials and seating to see the whales and dolphins that go past. It's all over grown bush and hard to a reds that area at the moment be great if we could have some walk. G trails so we can get close to see the dolphins along the shore line . Lots of dolphins come close to shore at MM Beach would be great if there were walking tracks and seating to e joys the dolphins as they come up close to the shore line of mm Beach. I took video footage of the dolphins at MM. Beach I can send you on Linkedin Email will the top part of Hill 60 where the viewing tower is be renovated and all the over grown bush and Lantana be removed to get the views back lots of whales go past and it's impossible to see the whales with all the over grown trees and bushes blocking the views also will the headland next to mm Beach on the southern side have walking trials and seating to see the whales and dolphins that go past. It's all over grown bush and hard to a reds that area at the moment be great if we could have some walk. G trails so we can get close to see the dolphins along the shore line . Lots of dolphins come close to shore at MM Beach would be great if there were walking tracks and seating to e joys the dolphins as they come up close to the shore line of mm Beach. I took video footage of the dolphins at MM. Beach I can send you link

    will the top part of Hill 60 where the viewing tower is be renovated and all the over grown bush and Lantana be removed to get the views back lots of whales go past and it's impossible to see the whales with all the over grown trees and bushes blocking the views also will the headland next to mm Beach on the southern side have walking trials and seating to see the whales and dolphins that go past. It's all over grown bush and hard to a reds that area at the moment be great if we could have some walk. G trails so we can get close to see the dolphins along the shore line . Lots of dolphins come close to shore at MM Beach would be great if there were walking tracks and seating to e joys the dolphins as they come up close to the shore line of mm Beach. I took video footage of the dolphins at MM. Beach I can send you

    Melanie B asked 11 months ago

    A Vegetation Management Plan has been prepared for MM Beach and the Headland Precinct. 

    A Vegetation Management Plan is a document that assists the landowner to manage a site to ensure that the biodiversity is protected, maintained and enhanced. Part of the Plan has recommendations to undertake weed control and rehabilitation that will conserve existing vegetation and improve areas which are dominated by weeds. The Plan will be implemented in zones and will have different management tasks such as site management, revegetation and weed control. There will be weed management undertaken near the Radar Operation Building overlooking MM Beach and Fisherman’s Beach. 

    The Boilers Point area near MM Beach has sensitive archaeology and it is not possible to provide any additional walking trails in this area.