Local groups meet council staff about dune carpark
A number of local groups met last Thursday, February 2, with council Administrator Mr Rik Hart, director Ms Melanie Smith and other council staff to discuss the Umina sand dune car park.
The Peninsula Residents Association, Umina Community Group, Ettymalong Creek Landcare and the Grow Urban Shade Trees group were all represented, said residents' association vice-president Mr Julian Bowker.
"This part of the project has been in the pipeline for a few months and some initial dune reduction was carried out late last year.
"Now the school holidays are over, the car park has been fenced off and work is starting in earnest."
He said a wide path would be installed linking the caravan site to the rest of the path network in the Peninsula recreation precinct, along with drainage and formalisation of the carpark to result in 50 spaces.
Mr Bowker said a wide variety of views was represented.
"There was a lack of wider community engagement as plans were being developed and for notification of the works in progress.
"The destruction of a section of the dunes is very disappointing.
"However, 16 trees are to be provided.
"The input from the Grow Urban Shade Trees group on extra trees to be planted is very welcome.
"We hope the trees will be well managed and maintained to ensure their success to maturity.
"The carpark will create a large heat area and it is hoped that placement of the trees will be planned to maximise shade.
"Ideally future carparks should have shade and porous surfaces included by default.
"There is to be some funding set aside to help with future dune rehabilitation which is very welcome and important to protect the dune in this thin patch from the sea impact.
"The caravan park had 4600 visitors over the Christmas period.
"Given the increasing popularity of the area and concentration of facilities, parking will always be a problem and restrictions may have to be put in place to enable fair use of the limited parking."
Mr Bowker said representatives from the Ocean Beach Malibu club submitted written suggestions to help with parking options and use.
He said Council staff were keen to work with local communities on good public engagement and consultation on similar future projects.
"This carpark formalisation is part of the wider project for the Peninsula precinct."
He said information on the project status could be found on the council website https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/news/peninsula-recreation-and-active-lifestyle-precinct-umina-upgrade-project
Pictured are Ms Jen Wilder (GUST, PRA), Ms Johanna Reygersberg (PRA), council director Ms Melanie Smith, Mr Peter Gillis (PRA), Council environmental manager Mr Luke Sulkowski, Ms Sue Ellis (Ettymalong Landcare), Council open space manager Mr Trent Burnham, Council administrator Mr Rik Hart, Mr Julian Bowker (PRA)
Tony Winch (PRA, UCG).
SOURCE:
Media release, 3 Feb 2023
Julian Bowker, Peninsula Residents Association