Upper Hunter Shire Council addressed the issue of land space at its monthly meeting on Monday, and is expected to hand over draft plans for the Rosedale Estate next month.

According to council, a master plan for the development of the estate into residential lots was developed about 10 years ago. 

The first stage of the development was undertaken in 2007. 

Three lots remain unsold at present. A further stage two release of nine lots has been designed.

However, the construction of these lots will be dependent upon the property market and council being able to realise at least $80,000 per lot. 

The King of the Ranges committee has expressed concern to council that the eventual development of the vacant land would result in the closure of the event because the land would not be available for camping and the cross country course.

President Earl Kelaher says he hopes the plans will enable the event to keep going forward.

“This is something that the town has been able to hang its hat on and it’d be a real shame after nearly 15 years if it all went away,” he says.

“I don’t want to upset council, they’ve been very good to us.

“But we just hope that they will see and respect what we’ve done.

“We really need that area to run the event. 

“The camping site, in particular, has just started to get going.”

Council claims the development plan provides space for the King of the Ranges annual event, including parking, camping and cross country event. 

It also identifies future residential development land. Council will place any proposed changes to the development on public exhibition for 28 days and seek feedback from the community.