AN internationally unique heritage site is right under the nose of Novocastrians, who may not realise its true potential, conservation and tourism consultant Boyce Pizzey believes.

Melbourne-based Mr Pizzey is working for Newcastle City Council on a conservation and tourism management plan for the city's Coal River precinct, which includes Fort Scratchley, Nobbys Beach Pavilion, Nobbys and the Pilots Station.

A draft document is on public exhibition until June 2.

Mr Pizzey was in town yesterday to further survey the area.

He believes it is unique that still remaining are sites well documented for their traditional Aboriginal significance and European history, spanning early settlement and the harbour's industrial, maritime and military past.

"We think it's one of the few places in the world where both the place and the stories about the history is still here in a recognisable landscape, Mr Pizzey said.

"It really is a remarkable thing."

The challenge was to generate interest among residents and tourists about that heritage, he said.

Suggestions for promoting the precinct are canvassed in the plan.

They include illuminating beams of light from points at Nobbys, Christ Church Cathedral, Fort Scratchley, the Carrington silos and the Obelisk to form an apex over the harbour.

Mr Pizzey said the aim was to draw attention to the area and get people talking about its significance.

Other ideas are an audio tour, sound and light show, and markers at the entry to the precinct.

Mr Pizzey said the aim was to find a new way of communicating the importance of the place.

The proposals were not overly expensive, especially with sponsorship, he said.

Jacqui Jones