Biodiversity Strategy - Gosford City Council - NSW Government

(see Figure 4. 3) which accounts for almost 2% of the total area of the LGA or approximately 20
square kilometres. Native vegetation also occurs on other land tenures as described in Figure
4.3. Mangrove Dam catchment is approximately 116 square kilometres and Mooney Mooney
Dam is 38 square kilometres. Through the urban and residential areas there remains
fragmented bushland areas and particularly in some suburbs a canopy of mature native trees.
Protection of this remnant vegetation is important to retain connectivity across the landscape,
for visual amenity, local climate regulation and as habitat for native species.
Figure 4.1 Location of the Gosford City local government area.
The COSS commenced in 1984 and provides a reserve system to protect ridgetop and other
sensitive lands through a land acquisition scheme supported by development contributions. The
scheme protects over 2,000 hectares of natural bushland that provides a scenic backdrop to
areas of the City and conserves habitat for native animals and plants as well as providing
recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the Central Coast. Despite the success of
the COSS, many environmentally sensitive areas remain unprotected and under-represented in
reserve areas. It is also noted that COSS reserves do not receive adequate resources for
ongoing maintenance and management, as a consequence many have serious weed issues.
Biodiversity - Technical Report Page 80