Central Coast Council is looking for community input on practical management for Central Coast beaches as it develops its new Coastal Management Program.
The Open Coast Coastal Management Program is one of five new Coastal Management Programs (CMP) which will be certified by the NSW Government and used to guide coastal management decisions and funding priorities for the next 10 years.
Council’s Unit Manager of Environmental Management Luke Sulkowski said the objective of the Open Coast CMP was to manage the coastal environment consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the people of the Central Coast.
“We’re at stage three of this five-stage process in completing the document and would love as much input from the community as possible,” he said.
“Once we have collated everything, we will develop an options assessment and come back to the community with a final draft before sending the final document to the State Government for certification.
“Input from our local residents will help optimise coastal management for the wellbeing of both our community and the environment – so tell us your concerns, ideas, wants and needs related to our beautiful beaches.
“We would like to thank those who came along to our earlier pop-up sessions at Terrigal, Avoca and Toowoon Bay and encourage more suggestions throughout the consultation period whether it’s online or in person.”
Council offers multiple ways the community can have an input into the future management of the Open Coast CMP.
An interactive map is online for the community to pinpoint practical management suggestions or residents can give their feedback in person at one of the remaining pop-up sessions being held at: Memorial Park, The Entrance, 3-6pm on Saturday, January 27; Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club, 9am-noon on Saturday, February 3; and Killcare Surf Life Saving Club from 9am-noon on Saturday, February 10.
Administrator Rik Hart said Council was keen to see what the community had to say.
“We received your input earlier on how you like to use our waterways, but now we want to hear your ideas on how we can best manage the future of our beaches,” he said.
“This round of information gathering will be used to ensure our draft management options are guided by scientific evidence and what our community values.”
Community consultation closes on Thursday, February 25.
To find out more on the Open Coast CMP visit yourvoiceourcoast.com.au/waterways and click the Open Coast tab.