Central Coast Council is set to commence important restoration works on the Winney Bay fire trail that runs between Cape Three Points Road, Avoca Beach and the base of Winney Bay.

The trail will be resurfaced to ensure safe access for fire fighting, emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the work would repair damage to the trail caused by erosion.

“The Winney Bay fire trail provides essential access to manage the bush fire risk on the headland and across the reserve, including any potential impacts on neighbouring properties,” Mr Cox said.

“Despite ongoing maintenance, it’s now time to undertake more comprehensive restoration of the trail.

“As with all fire trails, we need to ensure that our emergency services can safely access the site when required.

“To do this we will be resurfacing the trail with crushed sandstone to repair erosion damage and trimming vegetation two metres either side of the trail to ensure the safe passage of emergency response vehicles.

“Erosion controls will also be put in place to limit future damage caused by water movement down the trail.”

Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews said residents living in areas prone to bush fires need to prepare ahead of the fire season.

“We have over 128,500 hectares of bushland on the Central Coast, and it is important that all residents are bush fire ready, particularly those living in isolated locations,” Mayor Matthews said.

“I encourage all community members to familiarise themselves with the five ‘Get Ready’ steps to prepare for an emergency which can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/emergencies. ”

Work will be undertaken during November (weather permitting). Access to the Winney Bay fire trail restoration site will be restricted while these essential works are underway.  Council is asking the community to be aware of the potential movement of machinery and equipment to and from the restoration site and to comply with all signage and directions.