A 2km walking trail planned around Terrigal Lagoon will be a “wonderful thing for the Coast”, says Marine Discovery Centre Chairman and General Manager, John Asquith.
Asquith said the trail would be a drawcard for school, students, residents and visitors alike and a welcome tourism boost.
“It’s all about improving our public assets,” he said.
“The track would be about 2km in length, starting at the Marine Centre.
“It would hold as many educational aspects as possible, giving people a first-hand look at how water testing is conducted and at the plants and vegetation around the lagoon.”
Asquith said funding was secured through the State Government’s Restart NSW program, with $1M granted for improvements at the Marine Centre and $500,000 for the trail, which is being matched by Central Coast Council.
“We envisage it would include a water-watch platform and be made of crisscrossed plastics which would be elevated so as to make a light impact, although it is Council which will come up with the design,” he said.
Asquith said there were up to 65 bird species which would also be able to be observed from the trail.
Council is inviting community feedback on features which could potentially be included.
The trail will cover parts of Terrigal Wetland Reserve and Rotary Park (next to Parklife Café and the Marine Discovery Centre).
It is expected to provide multiple social, health and wellbeing benefits, as well as educational, nature-based tourism and job opportunities.
The feedback received will be used to help put together the design of the walking trail.
Council will look at ways to minimise environmental impacts on the sensitive area when developing the design.
Council has advised that the project is in its very early stages and says ensuring an environmentally sensitive design with all necessary environmental approvals will take time.
Once draft designs have been prepared, they will go back to the community for more feedback.
Source:
Media release, Jun 10
Central Coast Council
Interview, Jun 10
John Asquith