The Community Environment Network (CEN) has urged residents to take the opportunity to comment on Central Coast Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP) before the submission deadline at 5pm on Monday, June 2.
CEN Chair Gary Chestnut said it was important for as many residents as possible to provide feedback on the plan.
“The CSP is one of six draft documents currently on exhibition that are supposed to guide council’s planning and reporting framework,” Chestnut said.
“This is a requirement under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines set by the NSW Government’s Office of Local Government.
“Sadly, the Central Coast Council’s draft CSP covering the period from 2025 through to 2035 is pretty underwhelming, particularly when it comes to our environment.
“The Coastal Open Space System (COSS) doesn’t get a single mention; nor does the region’s 624ha of wetland – nine of national significance.
“We all know, and the community consultation report that fed into the draft CSP said repeatedly, that the best thing the Central Coast has going for it is our unique and exquisite natural environment – bushland, lagoons, wetlands, beaches and rivers.
“Here we are, the sixth biggest local council area in the whole of Australia, and we don’t have the foresight to realise that growing COSS or protecting and rehabilitating our wetlands can directly benefit the region’s economy for decades to come.
“As Australia and the world face the climate challenge, the Central Coast’s natural assets mean it is uniquely placed to take full advantage of biodiversity offsetting and the blue carbon market to generate revenue through conservation.
“Taking care of nature could generate jobs, attract tourists and improve our community’s resilience in the years ahead.
“Instead of grasping this opportunity, the draft CSP reads more like a laundry list of pet projects with very little strategic vision.
“Please read our submission and use it to tailor your own thoughts before 5pm, Monday, June 2.”
Submissions can be made here: https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/planning-our-future-2025-2035
