Council has resolved to place the Central Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2022-2025 on public exhibition following the successful delivery of over 85% of the actions from the 2018-21 plan.

Key deliverables include achieving a record breaking one billion in tourism expenditure in 2019, surpassing the target to achieve $921M by 2021, and completing feasibility studies for kayaking and canoeing, the RV market and Eco and Rural tourism opportunities which are informing the new DMP 2022-2025.

Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Natalia Cowley said the new DMP aims to create a thriving, connected and supported industry with compelling visitor experiences from headland to hinterland.

“The DMP has been developed over a four-month period in collaboration with Destination NSW, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, industry groups and local businesses.

“Strategic focuses include generating sustainable visitation patterns by increasing visitor dispersal and growing off-peak visitation, growing visitor yield, continuing to promote a cohesive and recognised brand, creating high quality amenity for residents and visitors, and empowering a unified, connected and supported tourism industry.

“Key projects include creating coast to country touring itineraries, developing shared pathways including Point Clare to Gosford Railway and the continuation of the Magenta Shared Path, achieving recognition as a World Surfing Reserve, developing a business events marketing and attraction action plan, undertaking a detailed accommodation opportunities and investment study with supporting investment prospectus, and improving visitor services including implementing a wayfinding signage strategy, delivering visitor guides and regional maps, and reinvesting in The Entrance Visitor Information Centre.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said timing could not be better for the renewal of the Central Coast Destination Management Plan.

“2021 has been a challenging year for the Central Coast tourism industry, who are still under pressure from the impacts on visitation and visitor expenditure from the 2019-20 bushfires, floods and ongoing uncertainty and lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Hart said.

“Updating the region’s strategic priorities such as increasing visitor yield, encouraging visitation dispersal and enabling tourism product development sets a clear roadmap for recovery with a commitment from Council to support the sustainable growth of this important economic and employment sector for the region.

“It is important to note that not all of the actions within the draft DMP are the responsibility of Council to carry out. Implementation is shared with some projects also dependant on securing investment and grant funding.

“Council facilitates the delivery of tourism marketing and management in the region through planning and co-ordinated actions in collaboration with the tourism industry, tourism funding bodies and other regional stakeholders. Council also supports the Central Coast visitor economy year-round through economic development, events, town planning and visitor information services activities.

“The DMP also acts as a supporting document for Council and local operators to apply for any Destination NSW and many Commonwealth Government funding including funding for marketing activities, tourism product, infrastructure and experience development.”

The draft Destination Management Plan 2022-25 will be on public exhibition for 28 days from 25 November until 22 December 2021. Have Your Say at yourvoiceourcoast.com

More information on deliverables achieved from the Central Coast Destination Management Plan 2018-21 can be found in the agenda papers of tonight’s Council Meeting.