The Community’s Emerald Beach Day Use Area Masterplan Approved

Published on 25 August 2021

Emerald Beach Plan.JPG

After noting the submissions and feedback during the recent public exhibition the Coffs Coast Regional Park (CCRPTB) Trust Board has adopted the Emerald Beach Day Use Area Masterplan. When funding is secured the project will move to detailed design and construction.

Chairman of the Regional Park Trust Board Rod McKelvey said the Board had approved the plan after considering the public submissions, comments and survey responses.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank all the community members who participated and worked tirelessly with sustained interest over the last 4 years, especially the Community Reference Group. The consultation process we have been through has been a rigorous one with the outcomes reflecting the expectations provided by the broader community.

“As with all consultations there will be some who may not agree with the final outcome however this is a sign that there has been robust debate which is healthy dynamic in any democratic process.  We strongly believe this Masterplan sets us on a sustainable path for our much treasured village of Emerald.”

The latest round of community feedback generated 245 responses, 62 per cent of respondents expressed support for the draft masterplan with most providing comment on specific design elements and a further 17.6 per cent of respondents made no comment on the overall draft masterplan but provided constructive comment on specific design elements.  The remainder were opposed.

Key goals behind the design include:

  • Promote social inclusion
  • Improve park facilities and recreational use of the reserve
  • Improve car parking facilities and provide accessible parking facilities
  • Improve safety
  • Improve pedestrian circulation and accessibility
  • Protect and conserve the natural environment
  • Maintain the character and feel of the reserve and village
  • Improve drainage
  • Be relaxed, low maintenance, understated and uniquely Emerald Beach.

 

Emerald Beach Reserve forms part of the Coffs Coast Regional Park which is managed jointly by Council and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service under the guidance of the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust Board, a body appointed by the NSW Government.

The full Community Engagement and Outcomes Report can be found at: https://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/emerald-beach