Mt Ettalong Reserve Masterplan up for adoption
The Mt Ettalong Reserve Masterplan will be adopted tomorrow, if a council staff recommendation is approved.
The $1.7 million plan will see a renewal of the reserve as funds become available.
A community consultation was undertaken from February 24 to July 16 last year.
Consultants Beveridge Williams prepared a draft masterplan for Mt Ettalong Reserve located between Umina Beach and Pearl Beach.
A staff report for tomorrow's council meeting said inspections identified safety risks associated with the existing lookouts.
"These inspections also identified other aspects of the reserve that required improvement." The master plan aimed to ensure a coordinated approach to upgrading the reserve that best considered the needs and expectations of the community, according to the staff report.
"The draft masterplan proposed upgrades to existing reserve infrastructure including lookouts, the carpark, access trail and picnic furniture."
Community feedback stated that improvements should be made with minimal impact to existing reserve.
"Most responses received during both consultation phases expressed support for the proposal.
"The key items identified for improvements were the carpark and access, repairs to the eastern viewing platform, additional rubbish bins and improved security.
"A quantity surveyor's estimate to implement the Mt Ettalong Masterplan is $1,711,657 inclusive of GST.
"Mt Ettalong is a Crown reserve located on Patonga Dr that is managed by Central Coast Council as a natural reserve.
"Reserve picnic tables and lookouts that provide views across Broken Bay were constructed several decades ago and now require upgrading to provide a positive visitor experience.
"The carpark that services the reserve and the 450-metre-long access trail to the lookouts also requires upgrading.
"The draft masterplan proposed upgrades to existing reserve infrastructure including lookouts, the carpark, access trail and picnic furniture.
"Key items raised by the community included the retention of the natural bushland setting, the restoration of the eastern viewing platform, improvements to the carpark, signage and information-education boards, and seating and tables where appropriate."
SOURCE:
Central Coast Council agenda 2.4, 27 Jul 2021