THE North Arm Cove and Carrington Local Community Plan has been released.

Work began on the plan in 2020, with a community committee formed to steer the plan.

Since then the committee has established priorities and actions important to the North Arm Cove and Carrington Communities, with the plan placed on public exhibition from April-June this year for community feedback.

The finalised plan was noted by Councillors at the MidCoast Council meeting on 24 August 2022 and officially released into the community.

The plan stated that residents in North Arm Cove and Carrington love the bush and water that surrounds them, and live in quiet and peaceful villages.

It does not however, include issues related to the development of, and payment of rates for the land in the North Arm Cove and Carrington paper subdivisions.

The overwhelming message from submissions to the plan is that residents and landowners are prepared to stand up against threats to their environment or chosen lifestyle, enjoying bush, water, their community, and neighbours.

North Arm Cove Village residents stated they would like to see a boat ramp and jetty, upgrades to community parks, improved drainage, sewage and water, alongside surrounding bush and water to be protected.

Carrington and Tahlee residents would like to see the road to Tahlee sealed, with a boat ramp and jetty, and historical buildings restored.

Landowners of paper subdivisions had a different approach, hoping for property rezonings so they can build on the land, in addition to road upgrades and some shops and parks.

The highest priority North Arm Cove initiatives identified in the plan include weed eradication, construction of community jetty and boat ramp, walking/exercise trails/equipment and park upgrades.

Residents from Carrington identified their priorities for the future of the area including improving bushfire protection and fire trails, sealing the road to Tahlee, construction of a boat ramp and jetty, and finally, restoration of historical buildings.

Several of these initiatives are currently underway.

The full plan can be accessed on the MidCoast Council website.

By Tara CAMPBELL