Forum –
I write in response to CoastWalk in CCC237 to say that it is great that the funding has come through to upgrade the track.
The upgrades came about because National Parks started to build up a fence along Reserve Dr last year to reduce the impact of many small human tracks acting as drains, funneling rainwater into the main track, causing significant ongoing track erosion.
Locals argued that a fence was not the solution and collected petitions from the community and called on local politicians.
David Mehan answered the call and was very active in trying to get National Parks to rethink its plans.
Some residents, including myself, are concerned that there was very little to no community consultation and communication afterwards around the nature of the upgrades, despite Member for Terrigal, Mr Crouch thanking the community for “helping shape the scope of works”.
Involving all stakeholders, including the locals who use and know the track, it just makes sense.
We know how tourists use it as we see them every day.
It is no good just throwing money at it and potentially getting it wrong.
Honestly, something as simple as laminating a sign at the entry and exit points along the track inviting track users and the community to contribute their knowledge of the usage of the park would have been helpful.
Right now, we would just like to see the detailed scope of works.
The announcement today has come more than two weeks after track works started.
Why is that?
Is that normal?
The only reason any of us even knew about this morning’s announcement was because it was posted on one small local Facebook site on Friday.
A couple of locals who live on Reserve Dr, opposite the park, said they got a letterbox drop about the track work, but it was after it started.
One person said that this was received on April 22, but it was dated April 12.
Unfortunately, there was no one this morning representing National Parks to ask what specific work was happening.
Adam wasn’t able to elaborate on the works other than “surface upgrades”.
When we asked how we find out more, we were asked for our email addresses so Adam Crouch’s office could email the detailed scope of works.
I am still waiting to receive that.
Email, May 3
Louise Kennett, Bateau Bay