Central Coast Council is required to develop Coastal Management Programs (CMPs), in accordance with the NSW Management Framework. Coastal Management programs set the long-term strategy for the management of the coastal zone including our lakes, lagoons, estuaries and beaches.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean River System CMP will be valid for 10 years and will reflect the latest advances in technology and ecology, and account for changes in the pressures and desires of our community.
The Hardys Bay Waterfront Masterplan will be incorporated into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (HNR CMP), which is currently being developed. Council is working with the local Hardys Bay community to inform the development of the Hardys Bay Waterfront Masterplan.
Once developed, the Masterplan will outline the overall vision for the Hardys Bay waterfront precinct and provide a conceptual layout to guide future projects and infrastructure.
Thank you to those members of the local community who provided comments, feedback and suggestions regarding Hardys Bay foreshore, either online or in person at one of the drop-in sessions.
The feedback has now been collated, and Council will be working with members of the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association to assist in the development of the Masterplan on behalf of Council. Once complete, a draft Masterplan will be placed on public exhibition for further comment and feedback.
Council has been approached by the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association with concerns over the current condition of the foreshore and public domain around the Hardys Bay area. Erosion issues together with a lack of adequate footpaths, seating and public amenities, mean the site has been considered a priority for further investigation.
As such, a new Public Domain Masterplan will be developed in collaboration with the local community. The Masterplan will outline upgrades required to improve the amenity, access, safety and environmental integrity of the site.
Waterways are an integral part of the Central Coast and have significant ecological value, which needs to be managed for the future. Waterways provide recreational and social opportunities for locals and visitors, contribute to our economy, and support our mental and physical wellbeing.
Council sought community feedback between 16 September 2024 and 1 December 2024 via
Members of the local community were invited to share their thoughts in person and online.
In addition, Council also hosted two ‘drop-in’ sessions where members of the public could meet Council staff to discuss their concerns.
Drop-in sessions held at Hardys Bay Community Church:
The community were invited to 2 pop-ups to meet with the Project Team and the teams from Waterways and Community Engagement.
General agreement on the need for an accessible and continuous pathway or walkway to enhance safety and connectivity.
Concerns over deteriorating roads and lack of footpaths along Araluen Drive, making pedestrian movement difficult.
Concerns about abandoned and rotting dinghies cluttering the foreshore.
Strong resistance to overdevelopment. Residents want to maintain the area's charm as a village like community.
Increased planting of medium-sized shade trees to provide natural cooling, bird habitat, and erosion control.
Poor drainage and low road levels are recurring concerns, with water pooling after rain impacting usability and accessibility.
A Masterplan is a strategic document that will guide the future development and management of a particular area. The purpose is to ensure development plans are coordinated, sustainable and aligned with the broader goals of the community.
The Hardys Bay Foreshore Masterplan will be incorporated into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (HNR CMP) which is currently being developed.
Inclusion of the Masterplan within the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Plan (HNR CMP) will provide opportunities for funding through the NSW Coastal and Estuary grants program and consideration for capital funding via Council budgets.
The Masterplan is open for public submissions from 17 September 2024 to 29 October 2024. We welcome your feedback and input on both our online survey and interactive map. Your voice will help us create better solutions to achieve our collective goals.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Website | www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ |
|---|---|
| In writing | Gosford 91-99 Mann Street Gosford NSW 2250, Australia P. 02 4306 7900 Wyong 2 Hely StreetWyong NSW 2259, Australia P. 02 4306 7900 |
