Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the Tuggerah Lake’s Expert Panel report, labelling it a great resource to support the ongoing management of Tuggerah Lakes.

Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council was working to integrate the recommendations of the report into the Coastal Management Program underway for the Tuggerah Lakes system.

“Council is legislatively required to complete coastal management programs, and the previous Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan will expire in December,” Mr Cox said.

“This report is a great resource for us to integrate into the first stage of this program, the scoping study, and will provide a basis for use to further develop actions, recommendations and community engagement options going forward.

“We will consider all 52 recommended actions identified by the Panel and integrate, where appropriate, into the coastal management program. 

“We will be working with the relevant government agencies, our stakeholders, technical experts and the community to ensure a well-rounded and broadly supported future plan that will see the Tuggerah Lakes estuary well managed into the future.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the community engagement opportunities for the coastal management programs had been successful so far.

“We have more than 770 responses to our survey so far, staff have spoken to over 200 residents and 270 residents have registered for ongoing involvement,” Mr Hart said.

“Our staff are heading out to talk to more people over the coming weeks and have extended the closing date of the consultation to give them a chance to cover more areas of the region.

“I’d strongly encourage all residents on the Central Coast, regardless of how close to the Coast you live, to take part in the engagement activities – everyone’s voice matters.”

To take part visit Council’s Your Voice Our Coast website to learn more about the programs being developed.

The first stage of the consultation closes on 15 June 2021.