Council urged to apply for 'Greenspace' funding
Central Coast Council should apply for funding for the Peninsula under a new NSW Government "Greenspace" grants program, according to the Peninsula Residents' Association.
The program aims to fund "open space projects to improve liveability and increase green space".
"This grant is entirely focused on the sort of issues we are facing on the Peninsula," said association secretary Ms Jennifer Wilder.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said: "It's vital that the opportunities to improve links between our bushland, parks, centres and waterways, made available through programs like this, are grabbed with both hands by our Council.
"I strongly urge Central Coast Council to apply for funding under this program, mitigating against the impact of heat island effects.
"The unique environment and green space of the Central Coast is one of the main reasons people love living here.
"We are so blessed to have an abundance of accessible green open spaces here.
"We need to harness these programs to help ensure this green space is protected and enhanced."
"It will be encouraging to see the emergence of fresh ideas and plans from Council."
Ms Wilder said: "This is a great opportunity for Central Coast Council to listen to our community and take action to address the dangerous urban heat island identified in Council's own Greener Places Strategy."
Playgrounds, walking tracks, pedestrian and cycle ways, bushland restoration and recreation facilities are among the eligible projects.
More information about the program is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/metropolitan-greenspace-program#toc-eligibility
SOURCE:
Media release, 13 Feb 2024
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford