Community Invited to Comment on Woolgoolga Whale Trail Plans
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Exciting new plans to construct a Whale Trail linking Woolgoolga Beach Reserve with the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk and Woolgoolga Headland whale watching station are now available for community comment.
Coffs Harbour City Council and the Australian Government have partnered to build the Woolgoolga Whale Trail, with a $1.1 million Community Development Grant, provided by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
Coffs Harbour City Council’s Director of Sustainable Infrastructure Mick Raby said the initial concept designs are aimed at achieving key accessibility and connectivity requirements.
“We are also working with the community to identify priority projects for future funding that might enhance the visitor experience, such as viewing platforms, additional pathways and formal beach/rock platform access from the Headland.
“The concepts show winding sections of boardwalk mixed with wide concrete pathways; a nature boardwalk experience and extensive opportunities for access and enjoyment of the headland and whale watching views for those with special mobility requirements.
“Concept designs for the Whale Trail are informed by environmental and engineering studies to explore options put forward by interested residents and a Whale Trail Working Group formed by representatives of Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce, Northern Beaches Residents Association.
“Engineers and designers have worked through a number of scenarios to achieve a design that meets required standards for accessibility while protecting the sensitive and valuable natural coastal environment.”
The Australian Government’s $1.1 million grant has enabled the initial concepts to be expanded to provide improved accessibility and complete the missing link between the Beach Reserve and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk to the top of the Headland.
The designs require some roadworks on Carrington Street and Pollack Esplanade to improve pedestrian safety and accommodate a curved boardwalk from the beach up to the headland pathway sections.
The concept designs for the Whale Trail are now available for public comment, through Council’s Have Your Say website
Comments are invited until close of business 29 January 2021