​​​​​​Council has resolved to put its strategy for the future planning of the Pittwater waterway on public exhibition.

The Pittwater Waterway Strategy 2038 will guide future decisions and actions related to the waterway for the next 20 years.

Mayor Michael Regan said he was very pleased Council was now in a position to put the strategy on public display after extensive consultation and feedback.

“Much work has gone into getting the Strategy for this very popular waterway to this stage, beginning in 2015 when the former Pittwater Council began work on a major review together with Transport for NSW.”

 “It was clear from consultations and community feedback to this review that the Pittwater waterway is a high valued natural asset, facing increasing demand pressures,” he said.

“Our draft strategy for the next 20 years will now be on public display for eight weeks and the feedback will be very important in shaping this vital piece of work,” Mayor Regan said.

The eventual adoption of the Pittwater Waterway Strategy 2038 will have major benefits from a sustainable development and environmental perspective as it seeks to balance the vast array of competing demands facing the waterway.

The Discussion Paper formulated following the 2015 and 2016 review, outlined the community vision for the waterway as: “A place of natural wonder and beauty, it will be a place that balances the majesty of nature with vibrant and diverse activity. A place for all to enjoy.”

Among some of the directions in the strategy is one which seeks to identify appropriate foreshore locations for low-scale cafes and restaurants accessible via sustainable and active transport networks and subject to sensitive development controls.

Other directions include encouraging tourism accommodation initiatives with a focus on eco-tourism and lobbying marinas to adopt a Clean Marina accreditation program.