Ensuring public access to North Diamond Beach
Published on 23 July 2020
MidCoast Council is asking for community feedback on the draft North Diamond Beach public access strategy, which is on public exhibition until Tuesday 1 September.
The strategy has been developed as part of a planning agreement between MidCoast Council and the developer of adjoining properties at 363 and 391 Diamond Beach Road, to ensure that a five metre wide public access way can be provided between the properties and the beach.
“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 beach front of Diamond Beach is maintained,” said Council’s Manager of Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades, Dan Aldridge.
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.
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,” said Mr Aldridge.
“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 link above. Hard copies are available for viewing at Hallidays Point Library, or at Council’s Taree and Forster offices. Submissions must be received by 4.30pm on Tuesday 1 September.