Public exhibition now open

Phase 2 Public Exhibition (2025)

For generations, 1A Jaques Street has been more than just a location, it's been a well-loved gathering place and common ground of our community.

To honour its legacy and guide its future, Council has developed a draft 1A Jaques St Masterplan and Public Domain Plan. This vision has been shaped by the voices of our community, individuals, groups, and key stakeholders who shared their ideas during our 2023 consultation.

We heard your desire for:

  • Open green space
  • Comfortable seating and shaded areas
  • Accessible toilet facilities
  • Celebration of the site's heritage

Now we're asking - have we got it right? What do you like about the design for the park, and what do you think needs improving? Take a look at the draft masterplan and public domain plan and let us know.

About the masterplan

  • A place for the community to come together for play and celebration
  • A place of collective effort in service of life in common.
  • A place that offers relief ‘when nature calls’.
  • A place to sit that is sheltered from the sun and rain.
  • A place where stories are told and new stories are made.
  • A place where locals belong and visitors are welcome

During initial community consultation, we heard that the community wanted the space to be "communal" or a "common gathering space". The community emphasised the importance of the site, its connection to the broader Ourimbah history and how the site has served as the community’s common ground for generations.

During the development of the masterplan, the project team started affectionately referring to the park as “Ourimbah Common” in recognition of the site serving as the community's “common ground”.

What do you think of the name “Ourimbah Common” for the park? Can you think of an alternate name that draws on the history of the site? Let us know by making a submission!

Key features:

  1. Existing pits retained with concrete dish drain on low point maintained across new car park
  2. Flush carparks with wheelstops
  3. New pit to pick up stormwater and kerb extension.
  4. New concrete footpath and kerb extension as indicated.
  5. Existing kerb extension formalised to include small tree planting adjacent to powerlines.
  6. Powerlines above.
  7. Existing stormwater easement. Note all structures and trees to minimise encroachment.
  8. Low shrubs planted adjacent to turf swale (like existing) with existing pit upgraded at bottom corner of site.
  9. Existing Privet and Bottlebrush removed.
  10. New pit at bottom corner of The Gathering Space.
  11. New tree in planted opening in kerb extension. Kerb extension formalised with kerb and gutter.
  12. Existing falls generally maintained with gentle mounds and flattening of the main turfed area. Detail contour drawings to be provided at design development.
  13. Two Aalto table and benches on concrete pads located within grove for added shade.
  14. Mown grass entry points between bands of mass planting.
  15. Large shade trees in massed planting/mulch surrounds with mowing edge.

Throughout the development of the draft masterplan cultural input was sought from Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, and representatives from Guringai and Darkinoong. They provided valuable contributions, which included cultural knowledge and insights which helped form the design of the park, the curved continuous nature of the paths in the park are derived from the idea that time is a continuum, and all our stories are connected.

Council will continue to work with representatives from the Aboriginal community. Their input will inform the ongoing development of the site’s cultural narrative and be incorporated into the heritage interpretation proposed for the site.

Did you know?

Ourimbah traditionally was an important place to the local Aboriginal community. It was a gathering place and ceremonial ground relating to the initiation of young Aboriginal men. The name “Ourimbah” is derived from the Aboriginal word meaning “bora” or ceremonial ground. It refers to the “sacred circle at the initiation site for investing the Oorin, or belt of manhood,” traditionally made from possum pelts.

The park is a place to connect Country and Community for many years to come. The curved form is also reminiscent of a possum tail, linking back to the Oorin or belt of manhood traditionally made from possum pelts.

Draft concept design

An aerial shot of an illustrated concept design highlighting distinct sections and features, including pathways, seating areas, amenities block, trees, parking spaces and indigenous art.

Make a submission

To learn more and have your say you can:

  • Read the draft 1A Jaques St Masterplan and Public Domain Plan
  • Read the FAQs
  • Complete the online submission form (below)
  • Attend the on-site pop-up session
    • Time: Thursday 31 July 11.00am-2.00pm
    • Location: On-site at 1A Jaques Street
    • If the pop-up needs to be postponed due to weather, we will update this page.
  • Attend the community workshop
    • Time: Wednesday 6 August 2.00-4.00pm
    • Location: AB 212 Administration Building Boardroom University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus, The Boulevard, Ourimbah
    • Complete the registration form under the 'key dates' section of this page to let us know you will be attending
  • Attend the drop-in session
    • Time: Wednesday 6 August 5.00-7.00pm
    • Location: AB 212 Administration Building Boardroom University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus, The Boulevard, Ourimbah
  • Email: engageme@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or
  • Write to Council: PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259

Your feedback will help shape the final version of the masterplan and public domain plan before it reports to Council for adoption.

Submissions close Monday 25 August

Your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which allows for possible access to certain public and personal documentation. View our privacy statement.

Phase 1 Consultation (2023)

Key stakeholder session

On Wednesday 20 September 2023 Council hosted a key stakeholder session attended by local Community Group the Ourimbah Region Residents Association (ORRA), a local resident and student from the University of Newcastle and representatives of local member David Mehan MP. The group shared the following aspirations for the space:

  • A place where all members of the community can gather
  • A park with benches and a toilet block with a structure for some shade
  • Heritage interpretation, and stories honouring the areas rich history
  • Improved connections between the park and local shops

We then gathered wider community feedback to highlight your aspirations for the future of 1A Jacques Street, Ourimbah.

Community consultation

Between 25 September and 30 October 2023, we invited the community to:

  • View the analysis documents (below)
  • Provide your thoughts via the survey and ideas wall
  • Speak to Council staff at the on-site pop-up from 11am-3pm on Friday 13 October 2023 (address: 1A Jaques St, Ourimbah).

Consultation results

The online survey received 66 responses. Survey results showed strong support for features such as toilets (79.37%), green space (66.67%), a shade structure (71.43%) and heritage interpretation (44.44%).

The pop-up event attracted approximately 50 attendees. Feedback from the event was varied, with some participants proposing a pool, formal sports facilities, or community gardening. However, there was a broad consensus on the need for a park, upgraded amenities, enhanced vegetation, and a shade structure. Additionally, all attendees emphasised the importance of incorporating Ourimbah’s rich history into the masterplan and design of the site.