Keep natural look and feel at Mt Ettalong, survey finds

Any improvements to the Mt Ettalong Reserve should keep a natural look and feel, with neutral colors that tie into the bushland setting.

That is the overwhelming response to an online survey about the draft Mt Ettalong Reserve Masterplan.

The survey responses came from 194 people between February 24 and March 16.

The vast majority (94 per cent) said any improvements should keep a natural look and feel, with neutral colours that tie into the bushland setting, and three quarters of the respondents said improvements should be "less formal".

Central Coast Council released the results of the survey on May 20.

The survey showed support for use of the reserve for recreation (36 per cent), photography (26 per cent) and community use (25 per cent).

Natural pathways and bush trails were supported by 86 per cent of those surveyed as being either important or very important, with 62 per cent saying they were very important.

Most people supported seating and picnic tables along the trail, and handrails being installed where appropriate.

Less than one third supported boardwalks of any kind. Concrete pathways were supported by just 13 per cent of respondents.

Most people supported additional rubbish bins, improving the water tank's appearance, and a formalised carpark.

They also supported information boards and additional parking.

Only around a quarter supported a painted mural.

For security measures, about one quarter (27 per cent) supported closing the reserve at night.

The same number supported the use of closed-circuit television.

Signage was supported by 21 per cent and lighting by 18 per cent.

Of the respondents, only eight per cent were aged under 35, with 86 per cent spread between the ages of 35 and 75.

Residents made up 78 per cent of respondents, and visitors 12 per cent.

One fifth identified as having a disability.

They were most likely to visit the reserve a few times a year (42 per cent) in the afternoon (36 per cent) or morning (32 per cent), rather than at lunchtime (13 per cent) or early morning (13 per cent), for sightseeing (23 per cent), leisure (21 per cent) and exercise (14 per cent).

While three-quarters of them got there by car, 20 per cent walked to the reserve.

A second round of consultation closes on Thursday, June 4.

Survey results, 20 May 2020

Mt Ettalong Reserve plan, Central Coast Council