Friends of COSS
The Coastal Open Space System (COSS) is a network of reserves supporting natural vegetation that are managed by Central Coast Council for several environmental and community values.
COSS lands provide important ecological habitats (or homes) and essential linkages (wildlife corridors) for diverse fauna and flora. These natural areas are also popular places for passive leisure and relaxation with residents and visitors alike.
The COSS scheme was unique to the former Gosford City Council local government area and was established in 1984. Areas identified as having significant ecological, cultural, and historical value were earmarked for future protection and conservation by the council. Existing COSS lands were voluntarily acquired by the former Gosford City Council for the benefit of the community. Approximately 70% of those lands identified have now come into public ownership for the benefit of the community. COSS is an important legacy and there is still more to do.
When Gosford Council was amalgamated with Wyong Shire Council in May 2016, the community was promised that COSS would be expanded to the whole Central Coast Local Government Area. That promise has been slow to come to fruition.
Who We Are
The Friends of COSS group aims to inform and engage our community to enjoy, protect and expand these important natural areas, now and into the future.
We promote events and activities such as:
- Bushwalks and other organised activities in COSS reserves,
- Bush regeneration activities in COSS lands
- Promoting research,
- Working with neighbours of COSS lands to create wildlife-friendly landscapes, and
- Increasing community involvement in implementing the strategy to protect and expand COSS for future generations.
Become a Friend of COSS - it's FREE!
Your support will expand our combined voices and enable the Friends of COSS to continue protecting and conserving the Coastal Open Space System.
We can work together and help ensure this invaluable resource for the community remains and grows.
