Voice of the Peninsula 14 OCTOBER 2021
ISSUE 031
REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS
News
Killcare Surf Lifesaving Club has warned residents to be aware of blue-ringed octopuses after a child nearly came into contact with the creature recently. See page 6
Out & About
1,500 locals ask Minister to save Ettalong from highrise
Over 1,500 local residents have signed a petition to voice their objection to Central Coast Council’s proposal to increase the foreshore building height at Ettalong Beach.
The Pearl Beach Progress Association is running a fundraiser throughout the month of October to help generate funds for the upkeep of the Memorial Hall. See page 13
Business
See page 3
Coast goes global as 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 as an eco-tourism attraction to both visitors and business enterprises. “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. Continued page 4
The historical Woy Woy Hotel is set to undergo a facelift after being acquired by a regionally focused hospitality company. See page 21
Sport
On the precipice of the most expansive season in the history of Australian women’s football, the Central Coast’s Mikayla Ryan has been confirmed as the A-League Women’s fourth official. See page 32
Puzzles page 18
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