Public Access
Public access to the foreshore has been identified as an area for improvement in the plan, what are some areas that need addressing and how?
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KYH190 Comment 1 26 Feb 2008, 7:22 PM
Off the top of my head, I can't think of anywhere where foreshore access couldn't be improved. Better quality and wider footpaths, bike paths, new low key gravel walkways, and overwater walkways could all be built to provide almost continuous access from Taylors Beach to the Shoalbay Headland.
margw Comment 2 7 Mar 2008, 5:59 PM
I'd love to think that we could have continuous access to the foreshore, including over water access which is popping up in other parts of Australia. It's a pity the plan doesn't include more of this, even if it's a pipedream. If it's never in a plan, it won't happen. That seems to be a simple fact of life. Whether the plans actually get any funding to put towards the ideas presented is the real furphy of all this. Council is quite phobic about board walks and their maintenance, yet in Victoria, we see recycled plastic everywhere. Why not here?
The signage to the foreshore in most places is definitely deficient and needs immediate attention. We need to know the areas where we can access the foreshore and feel "welcome". We need more bench seating
As for the worst area at present, that has to be from Bagnall Beach to Conroy Park. The number of boat ramps (many with new concrete surfaces) there is a joke. They are slippery at low tide and can be quite dangerous for the unwary.
I'd love to think that we could have continuous access to the foreshore, including over water access which is popping up in other parts of Australia. It's a pity the plan doesn't include more of this, even if it's a pipedream. If it's never in a plan, it won't happen. That seems to be a simple fact
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The Dogfather Comment 3 17 Mar 2008, 10:50 AM
The council doesn't want anyone to have improved access to the foreshore, for them its just more problems to deal with. Instead they are going to reduce everyones access incrementally with plans to stop off lead access for dogs at bagnalls beach, the closing of public toilets all over the place. With their partners in crime DECC alias national parks we are continually losing access throughout Port Stephens
Phil J Comment 4 20 Mar 2008, 11:07 AM
I want to point out that all members of the community have a desire to access the foreshore and not just the elderly. I too have lived in the Port district for over 16 years. I moved here at the age of 26, so am by no means classed as elderly.
I now have a young family that also enjoy our public parks and foreshore when riding their bikes along the Shared pathways. I believe we should have a shared pathway that joins up all the way between Fingal Bay and Soldiers Point, along the foreshore. This should later be extended all the way to Anna Bay. If this means affecting the values of some homes, this is acceptable to me. These properties do not extend all the way to the waters edge.
I also believe the council should be providing more pathways not only along the foreshore, but also in the residential areas to benefit the local residents. I see many women walking with Prams along the shoulders of residential streets because of a lack of pathways. They then need to navigate past parked cars, putting themselves and their infants in danger. As we residents are the ones paying the council rates, all age groups should be considered, and not just the visiting tourists.
I want to point out that all members of the community have a desire to access the foreshore and not just the elderly. I too have lived in the Port district for over 16 years. I moved here at the age of 26, so am by no means classed as elderly.I now have a young family that also enjoy our public parks
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