Various road treatments that cover the life cycle of the road are underway this week, with crews filling potholes (as the first level of maintenance to keep the road safe in the short term) through to longer term treatments such as heavy patching and road rehabilitation.

It’s time to have your say (again) on the new draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan.This revised draft plan has been simplified and updated in response to the community’s feedback from the first round of community consultation, additional community workshops and further technical studies. Changes to this new draft include the removal of timed beach access for certain beaches (meaning the current arrangements for dogs on beaches will remain), as well as the suitability of off leash areas (OLAs) in Davistown, Terrigal and Hamlyn Terrace. At the August Council meeting, I included further options to help find a balance on specific issues of concern at Terrigal and Davistown, including:Conducting community consultation on whether a fenced OLA at Terrigal Haven could provide a compromise between the wants of dog- and non-dog owners in the area, and the prevailing safety and other issues at the Haven.The addition of another OLA in Davistown, at Memorial Oval.While dogs on the Central Coast will always be a polarising issue, I would like to thank and acknowledge the Council staff who have facilitated the extensive consultation process Council has undertaken to ensure that the broad nature of perspectives on this issue are thoroughly understood and listened to. Have your say at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/dogs – consultation closes 1 October 2023. Rik Hart, Administrator 

The Eucalypts are an iconic group of plants that can be complicated to identify correctly.

Ask any keen twitcher where the best birding spot is on the Central Coast and they will all point you towards Central Coast Wetlands.