Council endorses plans to significantly invest in Coast’s pathways

Council has adopted its first Central Coast Bike Plan and Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP).

The plans are focussed on the development of a regional network of interconnected pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to maximise safe access to key destinations and facilities.

The plans outline a significant investment in the Central Coast’s pathway infrastructure network over the next 10 years with more than 300 projects currently identified in the Bike Plan and over 1,000 projects in the PAMP.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Bike Plan and PAMP were created following an extensive community consultation process.

“Our community made it clear to us that improving and expanding our pathway network is a top priority for them and we’ve listened,” Mayor Smith said.

“To develop these critical plans, we addressed community feedback from a specific consultation process and from the development of The One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028.

“The plans outline our commitment to deliver accessible footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve connections that offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option. 

“Creating safe and accessible pathways is a priority – wherever possible we will construct pathways that can be used and enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, parents and carers with prams, and people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

“The Bike Plan and PAMP will also assist us in applying for grant funding to deliver important projects that have been identified.”

Council recognises advances in lake management

Central Coast Council tonight recognised the work undertaken as part of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan in restoring the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.

Council noted that the water quality of the Lakes is generally rated excellent to good despite public perception.

Council also acknowledged the Catchment and Coast Committee – Tuggerah Lakes provides a key link between Council, the community, State and Federal Governments, and other key stakeholders in the development and implementation of coastal, estuarine, catchment and floodplain management studies and plans.

Council will continue to work with the community, key stakeholders and all levels of government to implement the Estuary Management Plan and maintain the high-water quality of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.

Mayoral election to be held on 23 September

Central Coast Council last night voted to hold the scheduled  Mayoral election as a separate meeting from Council’s usual business meeting.

The Mayoral election will be held on Monday, 23 September 2019, with the Ordinary business meeting on Wednesday, 25 September.

Have your say about sportsfield fees

Council’s proposed changes to sportsfield fees for the 2019/20 financial year will go on public exhibition for 28 days with community members encouraged to have their say.

The proposed changes to the fee schedule will mean that Davistown Oval, Eve Williams Oval, Terry Oval, Fred Pinkstone, Kitchener Oval, Patrick Croke and Saratoga Oval, Eastern Road Top Oval, Harry Moore Oval 3, Sir Joseph Banks Passive, Lakehaven 1 and 2, Mannering Park Oval, Norah Head Hockey Oval, Sohier Park 4, Tunkuwallin Oval 1 and 2, Tuggerah Oval 1 and Wadalba High School 3 will be classified as level 3 grounds and charged at a lower rate of $858.87 per ground per day.

Grounds classified as level 2 will continue to be charged at $1,260.75 and grounds classified as level 1 will continue to be charged at $1,363.25 this financial year with charge being per day.

The adoption of the new fee will reduce Council’s sportsfield income by an estimated $7,000 in 2019-20 financial year but this will vary dependant on the requests for ground usage.

Community members can have their say on the proposed changes by visiting the Your Voice Our Coast engagement hub from 13 September. Staff will prepare a report back to Council following the public exhibition of fees.