Central Coast Council is putting the spotlight on flora and fauna conservation with its draft biodiversity strategy, on public exhibition until November 11.
It is the first single strategy combining the progress of the former Gosford and Wyong Council’s in conservation planning, and presents a scientifically robust roadmap for the future of the biodiversity of the region. Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said “the draft strategy reflected councils understanding of the critical importance of biodiversity to the community”.
“The draft strategy highlights the roles that council plays to support biodiversity as a land use planning authority, a community leader and a major landholder and land manager”, Cox said. “It outlines Councils administrative and policy framework for responding to the actions identified to progress and implement on-ground change. It also guides Councils own actions and informs the actions of the community and a wide range of other organisations who together will shape the future of the Central Coast”.
The draft strategy identifies five key priority targets including the need to: plan and manage biodiversity in Councils natural areas; ensure adequate resourcing is available to effectively manage and expand the conservation estate; continue to promote community appreciation and participation in biodiversity conservation; protect biodiversity through land use planning and information management; and, demonstrate leadership in biodiversity conservation.
[Former] Mayor, Jane Smith, said “the community had a strong connection with and love for the natural environment on the Central Coast and wanted to see it protected”. We are lucky, as we have a unique, rich and diverse range of biodiversity across the landscape from our Coastal Open Space System (COSS), to our rich hinterland, national parks, lakes and oceans, Smith said.
“We share our home with many amazing and iconic creatures and plant and animal species increasingly under threat from urban growth. “That is why we need to work hard to protect biodiversity so that plants and animals dont reach the point where they are at risk and that is what this strategy aims to do. We also intend to increase our COSS (Coastal Open Space System) lands and natural reserves so that future generations on the Central Coast can enjoy the natural environment as much as we do today”.
Source: Media release, Sep 12 Central Coast Council
As a community service, we’ve provided a link to the Draft Biodiversity Strategy feedback form for interested residents.