PAGE 10 26 NOVEMBER 2021
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Tourism plan aims for ‘compelling visitor experiences’ Council has resolved to place the Central Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2022-25 on public exhibition following the successful delivery of over 85 per cent of the actions from the 2018-21 plan. Key deliverables include achieving a record breaking $1B in tourism expenditure in 2019, surpassing the target to achieve $921M by 2021, and completing feasibility studies for kayaking and canoeing, the RV market and Eco and Rural tourism opportunities which are informing the new DMP 2022-25. Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Natalia Cowley, said the new DMP aims to create a thriving, connected and supported industry with compelling visitor experiences from headland to hinterland. “The DMP has been developed over a four-month period in collaboration with Destination NSW, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services, Forestry Corporation of NSW, industry groups and
local businesses. “Strategic focuses include generating sustainable visitation patterns by increasing visitor dispersal and growing off-peak visitation, growing visitor yield, continuing to promote a cohesive and recognised brand, creating high quality amenity for residents and visitors, and empowering a unified, connected and supported tourism industry.” Investigating the designation of a Central Coast beach as a World Surfing Reserve is one of the plan’s ideas along with the development of “iconic walks”, particularly additional coastal walks in the North Coast and hinterland walks. Council said it plans for the continued investment in National and State Parks infrastructure and will investigate multi day walking experiences linking to Sydney. It also proposes support for the development of authorised mountain bike trail opportunities and seeking opportunities for mapping and promoting authorised mountain bike trails across the Central Coast. Other ideas include: • Development of visitor ready
food experiences in the hinterland, including paddock to plate restaurants, farmgate experiences and dining located in nature based settings. • Development of “hero food experiences” that capitalise on unique offerings such as oysters. • Support development of new aboriginal products and experiences in the region. • Foster creative and performing arts through theatres, galleries and creative spaces, by integrating art and performance into public life. • Investigate opportunities for art and sculpture interventions throughout
Central Coast including lighting installations in entertainment precincts. • Develop a range of foodie events that capitalise on the region’s local produce strengths and help to brand the region. • Prioritise development of infrastructure at outdoor event locations that leverage the natural environment and can become hero venues for the Central Coast. Director Natalia Cowley said the targets of the new DMP were a 10 per cent growth in overnight visitors to the Central Coast by 2025 with a 15 per cent increase in visitor expenditure and a 20 per cent increase in visitation to Central
Coast Hinterland by 2025. Administrator Rik Hart said it was imperative “we create jobs on the Coast”. He said the draft is a good piece of work and he looks forward to comments from the public.. Hart said timing could not be better for the renewal of the plan. “Updating the region’s strategic priorities such as increasing visitor yield, encouraging visitation dispersal and enabling tourism product development sets a clear roadmap for recovery with a commitment from Council to support the sustainable growth of this important economic and employment sectors for the region. “It is important to note all of the actions within the draft DMP are the responsibility of Council to carry out. “Implementation is shared with some projects also dependent on securing investment and grant funding. “Council facilitates the delivery of tourism marketing and management in the region through planning and coordinated actions in
collaboration with the tourism industry, tourism funding bodies and other regional stakeholders. “Council also supports the Central Coast visitor economy year-round through economic development, events, town planning and visitor information services activities. “The DMP also acts as a supporting document for Council and local operators to apply for any Destination NSW and many Commonwealth Government funding including funding for marketing activities, tourism product, infrastructure and experience development,” Hart said. The draft Destination Management Plan 2022-25 will be on public exhibition for 28 days from November 25 until December 22. Have Your Say at yourvoiceourcoast.com. More information on deliverables achieved from the Central Coast Destination Management Plan 2018-21 can be found in the agenda papers from the Council Meeting held on November 23. Source: Media release, Nov 23 Central Coast Council
Not-for-profit introduces vaccine policy Not-for-profit organisation Social Futures, with offices in Gosford and Wyong, has introduced a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for all staff in NSW. Social Futures delivers more than 20 community support programs across two states. CEO, Tony Davies, said as a leading regional community service organisation, Social
Futures needed to act to protect the health and wellbeing of employees and program participants. “Throughout the pandemic we have served individuals and communities facing challenges, and Social Futures will keep doing that,” Davies said. “As COVID-19 cases were recorded around NSW and Queensland, we continued to
seek housing for people who found themselves homeless, support youth and families, people facing mental health and financial difficulties, and help other individuals find new employment opportunities. “Based on the level of risk associated with our services (frontline delivery of programs and outreach to those in need) and the vulnerability of our customers and staff, Social
Futures has developed a vaccination policy to minimise risk. “Along with requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all staff, we will continue to apply other risk mitigation strategies, such as the use of QR codes for people entering our buildings and mask wearing when social distancing is not possible.” Davies said it was vital that all
Social Futures staff, volunteers, contractors and students were protected from the virus, as many were in the field with community members. “They are face-to-face with vulnerable people, many of whom could become very unwell if they contracted COVID-19,” he said. “Regional not-for-profit organisations like Social
Futures have a duty to ensure that our workplaces are as safe as possible and act as an example to other regional employers. “We’re safeguarding the health of staff, participants and the broader community. “Vaccines save lives.” Source: Media release, Nov 25 Social Futures
