Central Coast Council has set a new standard for visitor information centres, providing two interactive and accessible centres for locals and guests to the coast.
The council’s renewed Central Coast Visitor Information Centre (the VIC) at The Entrance, which opened in April, has already attracted over 17,000 visitors, with the new Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre, which opened in September, also proving a popular educational and tourism destination.
CEO David Farmer said the investment in these two key infrastructure projects is important, as it adds an improved visitor experience to the coast, as well as offering those who live on the Coast new facilities to utilise and enjoy year round.
“Feedback has indicated the new interactive aspects of the VIC as well as our terrific staff made up of volunteers and council staff, are ensuring that both information and advice are readily available. There are educational displays sharing our ECO Destination journey, sustainable tourism tips, and a range of locally made wares supporting local creatives.”
Equally, the new Visitor Centre at Mangrove Creek Dam, the largest water catchment dam on the coast, is proving extremely popular with visitors.
“The Mangrove Creek Dam has around 20,000 visitors a year, and the new Visitor Centre offers an exceptional experience in the Coast’s hinterland providing educational insights into the water supply system, natural environment and cultural heritage of the area,” Mr Farmer said.
Key features of the new facility include a new interactive visitor education centre, accessible family friendly amenities, a children’s play space and revitalised picnic area.
“The new visitor space provides visitors with the opportunity to see the scale of our water systems for themselves, as well as taking in the serenity Mangrove Creek Dam has to offer, all while enjoying the new family friendly facilities.
“These investments in infrastructure are examples of working with different levels of government and the community, to help meet community needs and boost the local economy and employment opportunities.”
The Entrance Visitor Information Centre Refurbishment project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Central Coast Council. The Australian Government funding of $29,000 was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
The Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre was funded through $2.567 million from the Commonwealth and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund and Central Coast Council funding.
