Plans to construct a walking trail around Terrigal Lagoon have been shelved by Central Coast Council, with environmental constraints making the project financially unviable.
The trail would have seen bush tracks replaced with a 730m concrete path a raised 430m boardwalk above the mangroves.
While the project is “shovel ready”, with $1M pledged by Council and the State Government on a 50/50 basis, a Council spokesperson said discussions between the two had led to a decision to shelve the project for now.
“Concept designs for the project were developed following two rounds of community consultation; however, as the project design and assessments progressed, environmental constraints (biodiversity credit requirements, hydrology requiring boardwalk design through a large section of Coastal Wetland) became apparent,” the spokesperson said.
“The identified environmental constraints and the associated increase in cost meant the $1M funding agreement with Restart NSW was not sufficient.
“The estimated new cost of the approved design is approximately $3.7M.
“With no additional funding currently available for the project, as well as other infrastructure priorities Council needs to advance for the region, Council felt the financially responsible decision was to discontinue the project at this time.”
The trail, which was expected to provide multiple social, health and wellbeing benefits, as well as educational, nature-based tourism and job opportunities, met considerable opposition from the community when the plan was first mooted in 2020.
An initial survey in July, 2021, attracted 235 responses from the community, with a second feedback period following the development of concept plans in November-December, 2021, receiving 52 responses.
Due to the community interest, the development application was referred to the Central Coast Local Planning Panel for consideration and was approved on December 6, 2021, after attracting 28 public submissions with 13 in support and 15 objecting.
Objections included the costs of another Terrigal development following the completion of the boardwalk at The Hacen and the destruction of “a natural masterpiece”.
The project would have been completed over five stages and included a water watch platform west of the Marine Discover Centre to promote water based educational experiences.
The elevated boardwalk would have allowed users to meander through coastal wetlands and mangrove vegetation and the concrete walking track would have facilitated movement through forested areas and green, open space.
“Council’s financial input to date has ensured that the project is shovel-ready, with completed detailed design, environmental assessments and development approval, so should opportunities present to include the project in future capital works programs, and obtain additional funding to proceed, Council could do so in the future,” the spokesperson said.
For more information visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/terrigal-lagoon-trail
Terry Collins