Northern Beaches Council is gratified with the community interest already being shown in planning for the future of the Freshwater Coastal Open Space, which includes Freshwater View Reserve, Freshwater Beach Reserve and McKillop Park.

Council Deputy General Manager Ben Taylor said nearly 40 years after the last major restoration of the area, its high popularity, condition and lack of connectivity to adjoining areas means it’s time to plan a new future and he is pleased with how the community is getting involved and sharing their views.

“Northern Beaches Council is encouraged that the two drop-in sessions held last week attracted more than 130 people. We also received more than 150 comments and suggestions.

“These included a revision of the playground area at Kooloora Avenue and recognition of the value of grassy open spaces,” Mr Taylor said.

Some of the issues in Freshwater Coastal Open Space include pedestrian access and signage, landscaping, poor connections between public and commercial facilities like cafés and playgrounds as well as access to the swimming pool.

Northern Beaches Council is inviting nominations to join a Working Group to help with planning, and is seeking representation for those who hire the reserve, people who cycle in the area, have small children or are aged under 25 years old.

Council is also hosting an online forum inviting people to share their views on what makes the area special and what could make it even better.  The forum will be open until Easter.

Council will release a draft masterplan, based on the results of the community engagement and the deliberations of the working group, in August 2017. For more details, including how to nominate for the Working Group please visit yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.