Emerald Beach Residents Discuss Concerns With Masterplan

The Option Residents Don't Want.


Article heading image for Emerald Beach Residents Discuss Concerns With Masterplan

More than 150 Emerald Beach residents gathered together on Sunday morning to discuss concerns over the masterplan for their community.

Four design options had been released by Coffs Harbour City Council for the Emerald Beach Masterplan. However, recently a fifth option was added to the mix.

Option 5 appears to be the one Council are looking at progressing with according to a recent online survey which they claim had 88% of the support. Locals are questioning the legitimacy of the online survey, after one member of the public was said to be "boasting he filled in the last survey 40 times".

Local resident Darren Murray said on Sunday, "locals want to see their social well being and connectivity continued, they also want the consultation process to be transparent".

The plans would see a car park built where the existing playground stands, with the beach ends of Fiddaman Road and Ocean View Crescent both blocked off to traffic.

This change has raised concerns with residents regarding traffic congestion and it stopping people from watching the water from the link road.

This option would also see the end of the boat ramp, something locals say is important for older people and those with a disability to access the beach.

Feedback on the Coffs Harbour City Council website's 'Have Your Say' section shows very little support for the fifth option.

One person writing, "We reject option 5 for our local community. My family uses the boat ramp on a regular basis to launch our kayaks and this is part of what we love about living here".

While another asked "How can Coffs Council have got it so wrong".

It's claimed that at a recent Sandy Beach Community forum, a member of the public allegedly stood up and said they would pay for the car park in the location set out in option 5.

Mr Murray said Council were invited to attend on Sunday, however no one attended to speak with locals.

Locals can have their say by going to http://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/coffs-coast-regional-park-masterplans/forum_topics/emerald-beach-draft-masterplan-discussion#comments

24 September 2017




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