These are some of the issues that the CEN is currently working on in the following areas:
CEN has three Planning Committees one for each of the local government areas of Gosford, Wyong and Lake Macquarie.The committees respond to planning proposals particularly the larger ones and formulate submissions to the relevant council with the aim of ensuring the proposed development is in accord with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development. They consult with the Environmental Defenders Office when necessary.The planning committees generally meet monthly and communicate regularly via email.
To stay in touch and receive announcements, join our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/149962155030538/
Our climate is changing and we are responsible. 150 years ago in 1859, John Tyndall discovered that CO2 was a greenhouse gas. Since the 1970’s we have added enormous volumes of green house gases to our atmosphere and we are still increasing the rate of emissions every year. This is causing our world to heat up. We don’t have another planet – no Plan B – to escape to.
The consequences are that heatwaves and bushfires are becoming more intense and occurring where they previously did not. Seas are rising, ice is melting, oceans are acidifying, plants, animals and people are dying.
Human population has reached 7 billion and is headed for 9 billion within 40 years. We are putting increasing pressure on the environmental systems that provide us with clean air, water and food (not to mention recreation).
We need to take emergency action. The IPCC has indicated that we need to stop increasing our global emissions now and reduce them rapidly if we are to avoid very significant changes. By very significant they mean a destabilization of the climate that could lead to a mass extinction of species. Oh, no doubt humans would survive, but how may and at what cost?
This is an ethical and moral issue. We are living at the expense of our descendants - our children will suffer if we don't take the necessary action.
Please talk to our political leaders, write letters, call them. We need leadership, not more delay. If you are interested in doing more, join us to keep the issue alive and help encourage ambitious action.
If you are looking for someone to come and talk to you about Climate Change: its impacts; timing of the changes; background to the science; our responses including political, economic, social or ethical; etc – we can provide a speaker to come and talk to you and your group.
For Impacts of Climate Change specific to the Central Coast you can visit http://cultureswervecc.wordpress.com/
Contact:
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
Ph: CEN on +61 2 4349 4756
The Importance of Heritage
The significance that we attach to our ‘heritage’ is growing each year. The past is all around us - historic buildings, landscapes and other physical survivals of our past. Our heritage is fundamental to how we see ourselves as individuals, communities and as a nation. Historic buildings can become a focus of community identity and pride and create a sense of local unity.
Issues relating to the protection of wildlife and natural habitat.
“An Addendum Planning Proposal has been lodged with Council, who are working with Property NSW towards a public exhibition period in 2019, with rezoning gazettal later in the year.
This is a significantly improved proposal over the previous plans which would have overdeveloped the site, limited public access and seriously reduced the aesthetics from the Freeway.
The revised proposal includes the potential to open up more than 2 kilometres of public access along the foreshore and more than 21 hectares of open space for the community, including an 11 hectare expansion of the adjacent bushland and Popran National Park.”
The Central Coast Council Administrator promised a 3 month consultation period
Click here to read more about the proposal and watch the video
Thank you to everyone who helped to gain these improvements, keep involved so that we end up with the best result possible.
Contact your local MP and tell them you want Peat Island for everyone.
or Become a Friend of Peat Island to be kept informed – click here:
Save Peat Island and Pick Your Future
Peat Island was originally established as a hospital for mental health patients. It has been closed for 5 years and the land is now being considered for other uses.
For Example:
The western area should be for day-trippers to stay at (picnic, walks, etc. places to buy food and for large numbers to move through, on to the river and the National Parks. There would be opportunity for basic waterfront camping and heritage buildings would hold displays on National Parks, Hospital and Tourism.”
This website assists all community members, whether scientist, student or interested residents with their queries about water issues on the Central Coast. Its goal is to help community members to better understand water issues and to join those making 'wise use ' of water.
Water restriction information
If you want to find up-to-date information on water restriction or you have specific questions, go to the Central Coast Love water use it wisely website or call the Central Coast Council call centre on 1300 463 954.
Funding for the CEN water portal provided by the Myer Foundation.
Clean fresh water is one of our most valuable assets. It is essential for sustaining aquatic environmental, agriculture and human health. (Waterwatch Australia). Since the Central Coast draws drinking water mainly from rivers, it is vital to maintain a healthy river system.
CEN Networking nights are a gathering of members and other interested parties to meet and discuss current issues. The night provides a forum for people to make others aware of what they are doing and to meet other like minded groups and individuals.
The Central Coast Council has passed a motion to permanently protect Porters Creek wetland.
Read the newspaper report of the Mayor’s comments See: https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast/news/2018/12/action-taken-to-protect-the-largest-fresh-water-wetland-on-the-central-coast/
For educational resources on the wetland see: http://www.blueplanet.nsw.edu.au/porters-creek-case-study/.aspx
Why we need Porters Creek Wetland permanently protected : it is the most important wetland on the Central Coast.
Read MoreCALL 02 4349 4756
FAX 02 4349 4755
PO Box 149 Ourimbah NSW 2258
CEN OFFICES
The Manor, Central Coast Campus
University of Newcaste
Brush Road Ourimbah
NSW