Coast Community Chronicle 260

Page 1

13 OCTOBER 2021

ISSUE 260

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Coast shines on global eco-tourism stage

News

Bateau Bay residents can now walk in safety from Shelly Beach to Crackneck Lookout completely in the bush, away from busy traffic along Bateau Bay Rd. See page 5

Business

Local manufacturer SpotGo has been crowned Central Coast Business of the Year. See page 26

Health

Running of the horses at Glenworth Valley – the Central Coast hinterland rounds out the complete package of beaches and national parks for a world-class eco-tourism destination

Local stories showcasing the Central Coast as an eco-tourism destination have captured international attention and a winning spot in the 2021 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories competition.

The Central Coast is the only NSW location on the Top 100 list, and one of only five in Australia,alongside Bundaberg, Margaret River, Port Douglas/ Daintree and Townsville. It’s a competition led by Green Destinations, which collects Good Practice Stories from all around the world to inspire travellers and tourism professionals, and then to shine the spotlight on the top 100 locations which are making promising progress toward a more sustainable tourism industry.

Emma Perham, of Destination Central Coast, said this was a wonderful accolade for the Central Coast and something everyone should be incredibly proud of. “This good news story will lift spirits and help industry focus on the future, especially moving into recovery after COVID,” she said. “Sustainable tourism is not a fleeting trend and eco-tourism values are becoming more important in shaping how people decide to travel. “This recognition just helps us to attract the kind of visitors we want to draw to the Coast, people who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and are more mindful of their environmental footprint. “We’ve got such depth of tourism product and experience

here on the Coast … a lot of people just think about beaches and national parks, they don’t realise we’ve got this beautiful hinterland, so many great operators, the food and beverage scene, so many great experiences, there’s so much more to discover than what people realise. “This Top 100 recognition is another step and ties in with our efforts for Eco Tourism Certification, all of which will help position us differently to all the other beachside towns up along the east coast,” Perham said. Council’s Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley, said that being the only NSW location on the Top 100 list flagged the Central Coast’s attraction as an eco-tourism attraction to both visitors and business enterprise.

“We want to put ourselves on the map, that this is a hub for businesses focussing on nature-based eco-tourism and the environment,” she said. “We’re sending the message to everyone that if that’s your type of business, come here to set up or relocate and grow your business, you’ll be more visible and you’ll be among like-minded people in complementary endeavours. “This is precisely the focus that we have exhibited in becoming an eco-certified destination and now being recognised on this international level, as one of only five locations in Australia, is just one more step in promoting ourselves as a destination of choice for both visitors and business opportunities. “Doing this would drive the

local spend in our community to support local businesses, it will create local jobs, build our economy and also grow the community pride in our region,” Cowley said. The opportunity to enter the Top 100 was made possible through a partnership with Destination Central Coast and Ecotourism Australia, as part of the ECO Destination Certification program, fully funded by WWF-Australia (World Wildlife Fund). Emma Perham said our region’s winning story focussed on the Coast’s refreshed approach to tourism, led by the new Love Central Coast campaign, which showcases the value of the region’s natural and cultural assets and sharing the inspiring stories of local brand ambassadors. Continued page 14

Ben Brown of Bateau Bay has continued to empower people with intellectual disabilities throughout lockdown in his role as support officer with the organisation Self Advocacy. See page 25

Sport

Central Coast Mariners have announced the addition of goalkeeper Yaren Sözer to Nick Montgomery’s A-League squad this season. See page 39

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

coastcommunitynews.com.au - 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net


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