Central Coast residents have provided near record levels of feedback on the future of the region’s footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.

The community shared their views through an extensive community consultation process for phase 1 of Central Coast Council’s ‘Our Coast, Our Pathways’ project.

Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said the initial consultation phase would help create two critical planning documents: a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) and a Bike Plan. 

“Our community clearly has a passion for the development of a vibrant active transport network”, said Mr Dowling.

“We will use this exceptional level of community input to help develop plans that consider existing infrastructure and the development of new infrastructure to deliver safe, accessible and continuous routes.

“Improving and expanding our network of footpaths, bike paths and shared paths will boost regional and economic development by encouraging low impact active tourism.”

An online survey was completed by 925 residents, 55 residents attended information sessions, and 19 community stakeholders participated in two workshops.

More than 700 people also placed 1305 pins on an interactive digital map to indicate hotspots for future development, improvement or expansion.

Key themes emerged in resident feedback including safety, completing ‘missing links’ to connect paths, connectivity to key attractors, and using paths to attract tourists.

Mayor Jane Smith said the breadth of feedback will help Council to meet the diverse needs of our community.

“This is clearly a priority for our community and we are now well placed to develop plans to create a vibrant and sustainable active transport network that can be used both for leisure and as an alternative transport mode,” said Mayor Smith.

“The outcomes of the ‘Our Coast, Our Pathways’ project will benefit both residents and visitors for years to come.

“The exceptional lifestyle the Central Coast offers can only be improved by the sustainable development of a network of shared paths, footpaths and on road cycling facilities.” 

The next steps are for Council and their consultant team to develop the draft PAMP and draft Bike Plan. Community members will have an opportunity to provide further input to these draft plans when they are placed on public exhibition later in 2018.