Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the design of the Winney Bay Clifftop Walk that will lead from Captain Cook Lookout to Winney Bay Reserve.

The draft concept plans for the $4.6million state government funded project were originally publicly exhibited by the former Gosford City Council in 2011, and incorporate a 3 metre-wide clifftop pathway, bridge and lookout.

Mayor Jane Smith said that Council have listened to concerns and agreed to re-exhibit the plans to ensure the community could have a say in the final design of the iconic walkway.

“In April, I attended a public meeting at Copacabana to discuss current and future plans for the walkway and it was clear that the community wanted more of a say with regards to this project,” Mayor Smith said.

“The community wants to see these plans and have a say in the design and we will give them this opportunity.

“Protecting and enhancing our natural environment is a key priority for Council as well as creating recreational and tourism opportunities.

“I can assure residents that Council is already acting on these priorities, including commencing an environmental assessment for the project and developing a weed management and bush regeneration plan for the whole of the Winney Bay Reserve.

“We also want to ensure that the project acknowledges the original inhabitants of the land in an appropriate manner by considering elements such as interpretive signage and the use of culturally significant endemic species.”

Council will also be hosting a drop-in information session at Copacabana SLSC on Thursday 4 October from 3.30pm until 7.30pm.

On 23 June 2018, the NSW government announced a $4.6 million grant to construct the part of the Winney Bay Cliff Top Walk between Captain Cook Lookout and the stairway. The draft concept plans for stage two include:

• a bridge across the coastal ravine that references the annual whale migration
• a lookout that faces the rising sun on the first day after the Winter Solstice
• multi-use spaces along the Cliff Top Walk that provides for uses such as local events, exhibitions and weddings.

In August 2018, Council completed the first stage of the upgrade, which included a 510 metre set of stairs and pathway linking with the existing fire trail at the north western end of the reserve. The project was enabled with the help of an $875,000 grant contribution through the Federal Government Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program.

To view the plans and make a submission, go to yourvoiceourcoast.com before 22 October 2018. Consideration of all community feedback will be given in finalising the plans prior to commencement of construction.