MidCoast Council is inviting the community to comment on a draft plan which will provide public access to north Diamond Beach.
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The plan will be on public exhibition until Tuesday, September 1.
The strategy, developed as part of a planning agreement between MidCoast Council and the developer of adjoining properties at 363 and 391 Diamond Beach Road, ensures the public have access between properties and the beach via a five metre wide path.
"When the proposal to rezone the land parcel was exhibited in 2016 and 2017, the community told us they wanted to ensure public access to the beachfront of Diamond Beach is maintained," MidCoast Council community spaces, recreation and trades manager, Dan Aldridge said.
A planning agreement has been made with the developer that requires council to complete a public access strategy for north Diamond Beach, while the developer will dedicate the five metre wide strip of land to council, and provide funding for protective fencing of the dune, a concrete pathway and directional and control signage.
When the proposal to rezone the land parcel was exhibited in 2016 and 2017, the community told us they wanted to ensure public access to the beachfront of Diamond Beach is maintained.
- Dan Aldridge
The draft strategy considers the future public beach access needs of the Hallidays Point coastline communities of Diamond Beach, Red Head and Black Head.
"Although the strategy only covers the northern end of Diamond Beach in detail, it considers public access along the coastline more broadly, to ensure that any land dedicated for public access at the northern end of Diamond Beach can link up to existing or future paths and trails along the Hallidays Point coastline," Mr Aldridge said.
"It aims to provide a strategic framework for ensuring that continuous and inclusive public access is provided along the coastline of the northern end of Diamond Beach."
The strategy also includes all-abilities access considerations, as well as measures to ensure protection of sensitive dune vegetation.
The draft strategy is available for viewing and feedback online on the MidCoast Council have your say page, while hard copies are on exhibition at Hallidays Point library, or at council offices in Taree and Forster.
Submissions must be received by 4.30pm, Tuesday, September 1.
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