MidCoast Council is asking the community to complete a short survey to further define the specific activities they wish to see at the proposed Forster Civic Precinct.  The community has already said that they want the space to accommodate a new Library space, community events and gatherings, and provide access to meeting rooms.  Now Council wants to know how you would use those spaces.  You can participate in the online survey on Council's website up until Thursday 30 June.

More information: midcoast.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au/News/Forster-Civic-Precinct-help-us-get-it-right

www.surveymonkey.com/r/CivicPrecinct

CAUTION URGED AT BEACHES THIS LONG WEEKEND

MidCoast Council is urging visitors and residents to exercise caution when accessing beaches this long weekend. Extensive erosion of many beaches across the region has forced the closure of some beach access paths and others, while remaining open may be damaged.  Steep drop-offs to the beach are present at many beaches due to the erosion, so return access from the beach may be difficult.  Council is warning people to supervise children and not to dig or create tunnels at the base of sand cliffs, as collapse could occur.  People are urged not to access the beach via any closed path, as these may be undermined and are hazardous. 

FORSTER OCEAN BATHS "BULLRING" CLOSED FOR REPAIRS

MidCoast Council regrets to advise that the Forster Ocean Baths "Bullring" is temporarily closed over this week's long weekend due to damage sustained during last weekend's storm event.  Some superficial damage to the pool's concrete capping will be repaired and a large amount of sand that was deposited during the storm will be removed.  Unfortunately the settlement tank has been inundated and the pool pump is buried, so staff must wait for high seas to abate and favourable tidal conditions to be able to access the pump and clean out the tank.  The Little Street Baths in Forster were undamaged and are open for public use over the long weekend.

MIDCOAST COUNCIL PLANS AHEAD

MidCoast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Draft Operational Plan, Budget and Fees and Charges for 2016-2017 which has been placed on public exhibition.  The Plan guides the day-to-day operations of the Council, including a detailed outline of what Council plans to achieve over the next 12 months and includes specific criteria against which Council’s performance is measured.  The documents can be viewed on Council's websites and in person at Council offices. Submissions are welcome and must be received before Wednesday 22 June.

More information: www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/draft-DP-OP-docs

TRAFFIC CHANGES AT TUNCURRY WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE

Changed traffic conditions are in place at MidCoast Council's Tuncurry Waste Management Centre for the next six months while the new 'Waste Transfer Station and Community Recycling Centre' is constructed.  Entry to the Centre has been relocated further along Tip Road from the previous entrance and a new weighbridge has been installed for all traffic entering the facility.  The Tip Shop, Men's Shed and other facilities are still open to the public as per usual and parking has been allocated at the rear of the existing tip shop.

RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES FIND AT BULAHDELAH

MidCoast Council is thrilled with the capture of a rare and endangered spotted-tailed quoll on motion-activated cameras in the Bulahdelah Wetland Reserve.  It's the second find of native animals on the reserve, after a long-nose potoroo was seen on footage in February. The find is a further endorsement of the value of Council's wetland management program, not only for water quality protection, but for broad biodiversity conservation benefits.

More information: www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au/News/Rare-and-endangered-quoll-found

Council is undertaking work to improve the road surface. The work includes drainage improvements. There will also be minor road widening as part of this project.

Works have commenced and will be completed by the end of June.

GIRVAN - Booral Road (Seg 90)

Council is undertaking work to improve the road surface. The work includes road widening and minor drainage improvements.

Works have commenced and will be completed by the end of June.

KARUAH - Alice St

Council will be undertaking work to pipe an open drain that runs parallel to Alice Street in Karuah.

Works to commence next week.

STROUD ROAD - Bucketts Way (at Stroud Hill Rd)

Council is upgrading the road to improve its condition and safety.

Road has been sealed with safety fence and line marking still to be completed.  Asphalt resurfacing work will occur at the intersection with Stroud Hill Road by the end of June.

NORTH ARM COVE - Cove Boulevard

Council is undertaking work to improve drainage in Cove Boulevarde.  Works include piping the open drain that runs from Cove Boulevarde to the foreshore and extending the drainage system along the road side.

Work is in progress and is nearing completion.

FORSTER - Boat Harbour

Construction, renewal and maintenance works to the various mooring and wharf facilities. Boat ramp will remain open with occasional access restrictions.

Work is underway and expected to be complete by September.

FORSTER - Shared footpath, Cape Hawke Drive

A new shared path is being constructed from intersection of The Southern Parkway and Cape Hawke Drive to the footpath outside the retirement village.

Work is almost complete, with only signposting and linemarking to occur for the crossing of The Southern Parkway.

FORSTER - Cross Street footpath

A shared cycle and footpath has been constructed.

Work is complete.

TUNCURRY - Wallis Street footpath

A shared cycle and footpath is being constructed on the southern side of Wallis Street between Manning and Parkes Streets.

Work is in progress and will be complete by mid-June.

www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au