Chamber calls Ocean Beach masterplan

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has renewed calls for the preparation of a Foreshore Masterplan for the beachfront between Ocean Beach and Umina Beach surf clubs, similar to the Ettalong Beach upgrade.

President Mr Matthew Wales said it was high time Central Coast Council became serious in upgrading the areas given the past successes of the NSW Surf Life Saving State Titles and the current poor state of the foreshore outside and between the two surf clubs.

"With arguably two of the best protected beaches on the NSW coast, the existing foreshore is in a sub-standard condition, inaccessible in parts and a poor cousin compared to other coastal locations on the Central Coast.

"Council has spent millions upgrading the surf clubs but almost nothing on upgrading the beachfront which reflects badly on the area to both locals and visitors.

"We have a thriving town centre in Umina, a world-class tourist facility at the Ocean Beach NRMA Holiday Park, high quality surf clubs and yet the beachfront is sub-standard.

"The Chamber believes that a Foreshore Masterplan is long overdue and should be developed for the beachfronts adjacent to both surf clubs and the link between the facilities so that locals, visitors and importantly people with disabilities can safely access the beach and walk and travel between the clubs via a boardwalk," Mr Wales said.

He said the Chamber would be canvassing Central Coast Council for support in identifying funding for the Masterplan, in which they hope will address improvements to public areas outside the clubs, public areas, viewing platforms, linking walkways and coastal protection works.

"We will again raise the matter with the Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, who has previously been a strong supporter for local infrastructure projects," Mr Wales said.

Media release, 17 Aug 2016

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce