Community activist Joy Cooper has called on Central Coast Council to close all Coastal Open Space System (COSS) lands to the public with recent heavy rains leading to treacherous conditions.
In an open letter to Administrator, Rik Hart, and CEO, David Farmer, Cooper cited a number of recent landslides in the region, most recently at Copacabana and Blackwall.
“I write to ask that you immediately close the COSS areas and all the walking and illegal trails,” she said.
“The recent family tragedy in the Blue Mountains is clear evidence this should occur.
“Added to this are the number of illegal trails which have been built in COSS lands and the lack of consideration to our environment when these trails are built.
“Having walked many of these trails, I can confirm they are dangerous and could pose a serious threat to lives.
“While roads, parks and playing fields are closed it is inappropriate to not also close COSS.”
Cooper said Hart had responded on radio that individuals should make decisions for themselves to stay safe but said he had a responsibility to close trail in the interests of public safety.
“There are many areas in COSS which are considered slip areas; there are also areas where large rocks or boulders also pose a threat,” she said.
“There are rocks and boulders which can often be seen resting precariously.
“Long term locals can recount many locations where we have had houses which have had boulders tumble through them.
“During times of fire threats these spaces are closed so surely this follows if there is a risk of life or injury.”
A spokesperson said while walking tracks, fire trails and access roads in the COSS reserves remain open, Council is continuing to monitor conditions of community assets in reserves and parks.
“Following months of sustained rainfall there is the potential for landslips to occur across a range of settings and consideration should be given to postponing visiting the COSS reserves until conditions improve and tracks, fire trails, lookouts and picnic areas have time to dry out,” the spokesperson said.
“If members of the community become aware of particular hazards associated with the tracks, trails or other infrastructure within the COSS reserves, or on any other Council managed land, they are asked to advise Council on ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or 1300 463 954.
“Where a specific hazard associated with landslips or other environmental change is identified, Council may close a particular track or trail while an assessment is undertaken.
“Where a specific hazard is identified, the track or trail may remain closed until such time that remediation can be undertaken.”
Meanwhile, with school holidays now in full swing, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has warned residents to check National Parks Alerts before heading off on a walk.
“Sustained wet weather, big seas and flooding have impacted many of our national parks across the region,” NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Hunter Central Coast Director, Kylie Yeend, said.
“We have temporarily closed some of our campgrounds, walking tracks and vehicle access onto some beaches due to the hazardous conditions.
“Weather conditions and our temporary closures are very changeable at present.
“Some national park beaches from the Central Coast up to Manning Great Lakes areas continue to be impacted by flood debris or beach erosion from large coastal swells.”
See NPWS Alerts or call NPWS on 1300 072 757 for more information on park closures, conditions and camping.
Terry Collins