Northern Beaches Council is developing a long term strategy to deliver to the community a connected network of recreational open space, and has released the draft Freshwater Coastal Open Space Masterplan for community feedback.

Mayor Michael Regan said Freshwater is an iconic , highly valued and frequented open space, but its lack of connectivity  and accessibility to adjoining areas means it’s time to plan a new future.

“This is a well-loved community space so it’s important the community is involved in the planning. I’m pleased that we’ve already had very high levels of community engagement since the initial plans were open for public comment earlier this year – including 200 people attending the drop-in sessions.”

Key components of the masterplan developed in collaboration with the Community Working Group are:

  • the enhancement of recreational open space that is connected throughout Freshwater Beach Reserve and surrounding residential areas to the north and south, including the coastal walk;
  • the provision of community valued open space amenity and facilities;
  • the enhancement to historically significant natural and cultural landscape elements; and
  • the recognition of Freshwater Beach as a ‘meeting place’

Council will seek to prioritise works, with three million dollars to be spent over the next five years to complete components of the masterplan.

“I encourage the community to get involved in the next stage of the planning to enable Council to enhance this extraordinary beach reserve and surrounds,” Mayor Regan said.

Details of community engagement:

Community drop in session at the playground near Kooloora Avenue, Wednesday 13 December 9-11am

Online, or in writing to the CEO Northern Beaches Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why, NSW, 2099 marked Freshwater Coastal Open Space draft masterplan

Submissions close Sunday 4 February 2018