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Peninsula considered for marine study centre

Ettalong and Patonga have been considered as two Peninsula locations for a possible marine study centre on the Central Coast.

A recent report from convenor Mr John Asquith said that a workgroup had been working for over 12 months to develop the concept of a marine centre.

The workgroup includes representatives from the Community Environment Network, Central Coast Tourism, University of Newcastle (Ourimbah Campus), Central Coast Area Consultative Committee, Department of State and Regional Development, Business Central Coast, Rumbalara Environment Education Centre, Wyong Shire Council, Gosford City Council, Department of Environment and Conservation and Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives.

Mr Asquith said it is envisaged that "the primary activity of the centre will be a working research and education centre with an outer layer of activities being tourism and associated business".

"The centre will be a regional facility for the broader Central Coast region and will build on the high level of community involvement and partnerships."

A report on alternative locations for the development stated that a site at Patonga would be in close proximity to a range of ecosystems for research and education, and would provide access to a boat ramp and clean sea water which could be pumped up into the facility.

An Ettalong location for the development seemed more favoured in the report.

The report stated that the area would provide access to clean water, tourism support services, access to boat ramps and accommodation in close proximity.

The area would also be close to other tourist destinations with high visitor numbers and a range of ecosystems.

Suburbs currently being considered for the proposed centre include Patonga, Ettalong, Saratoga, Maitland Bay, Winney Bay, Avoca and North Avoca, Terrigal, Towoon Bay, Spoon Bay, The Entrance area and Norah Head lighthouse and Rescue.

The report stated that other factors that would need to be considered would include easy access from F3 freeway, public transport services and parking, access to calm water for snorkelling and education activities and links to other tourism activities such as pelican feeding, whale watching, artificial reefs, fishing charters and restaurants.

The Marine Discovery Centre period for comments has been extended to April 17.

Mr Asquith said that "nearly 500 copies of the options paper have been distributed while approximately 30 responses have been received to date from organisations and individuals".

"Following requests to allow more time for comments, we have decided to extend the deadline for comments until after Easter."

An options report can be downloaded from www.cccen.org.au



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