Central Coast Council is currently developing a new Coastal Management Program and is seeking community input on practical management for Central Coast beaches.

The Open Coast Coastal Management Program is one of five new Coastal Management Programs (CMP) for the region that 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 is to manage the coastal environment consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development for the social, cultural and economic well-being 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,” Mr Sulkowski 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 their certification.

“Input from our local residents will help optimise coastal management for the well-being 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 pin point practical management suggestions for The Open Coast CMP or give their feedback in person at one of the remaining pop-up sessions being held at:

• Memorial Park, The Entrance - Saturday 27 January, 3-6pm
• Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club - Saturday 3 February, 9am-12pm
• Killcare Surf Life Saving Club – Saturday 10 February, 9am-12pm.

Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is keen to see what the community has 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,” Mr Hart 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 25 February. To find out more on The Open Coast CMP, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/waterways and click the ‘Open Coast’ tab!

ENDS