“WE NEED A STRONGER GREEN AND BLUE VISION FOR THIS REGION’S FUTURE”
The Community Environment Network (CEN) has urged all residents to grab the opportunity to comment on Central Coast Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP) before the submission deadline at 5pm on Monday, 2 June.
“Your chance to tell Central Coast Council what you think should be in the plan closes at 5pm on Monday, 2 June and I cannot tell you how important it is for as many residents as possible to provide feedback,” said CEN Chair, Gary Chestnut.
The CSP is one of six draft documents currently on exhibition that are supposed to guide council’s planning and reporting framework.
This is a requirement under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines set by the NSW Government’s Office of Local Government.
“Sadly, the Central Coast Council’s draft CSP covering the period from 2025 through to 2035 is pretty underwhelming, particularly when it comes to Our Environment,” Mr Chestnut said.
“The Coastal Open Space System (COSS) doesn’t get a single mention; nor does the region’s 624 hectares of wetland – nine of national significance.
“We all know, and the community consultation report that fed into the draft CSP said repeatedly, that the best thing the Central Coast has going for it is our unique and exquisite natural environment – bushland, lagoons, wetlands, beaches and rivers.
“Here we are, the sixth biggest local council area in the whole of Australia, and we don’t have the foresight to realise that growing COSS or protecting and rehabilitating our wetlands can directly benefit the region’s economy for decades to come.
“As Australia and the world face the climate challenge, the Central Coast’s natural assets mean it is uniquely placed to take full advantage of biodiversity offsetting and the blue carbon market to generate revenue through conservation.
“Taking care of nature could generate jobs, attract tourists and improve our community’s resilience in the years ahead.
“Instead of grasping this opportunity, the draft CSP reads more like a laundry list of pet projects with very little strategic vision.
“Please read our submission below and use it to tailor your own thoughts before 5pm Monday, 2 June. Then visit the Council’s feedback website, make your own submission and encourage friends and family to do the same.