We’re developing a long-term Master Plan for the Johnsons Beach Precinct — one of the true jewels in Penguin’s crown. Johnsons Beach is one of our most loved foreshore areas, and we want to understand how it can be used to its full potential while protecting what makes it special.

This Master Plan is about setting a vision for the future, not committing to immediate works. It will explore how the beach, playgrounds, parking, and surrounding spaces could be improved to balance recreation, environmental care, tourism, and community needs. It will also look at important issues such as erosion management, accessibility, public art opportunities, connections back into the town centre, and how we can future-proof the foreshore for generations to come.

Our aim is to ensure Johnsons Beach remains a safe, beautiful, and vibrant place for everyone to enjoy — now and well into the future.

How can you get involved?

Right now, we’re asking for your aspirations, ideas, and priorities. What do you value about Johnsons Beach? How do you currently use Johnsons Beach? What do you want to see improved? Your input will help shape the consultancy brief – the instructions given to designers – so that future design work reflects community needs and values.

It’s important to note that while we’re not able to promise that every idea will be implemented, your feedback at this stage will help ensure we’re asking our consultants to look at the right issues and opportunities. Further consultation will take place next year which will include seeking feedback on concept designs.

What can the community influence?

Your ideas will help shape what the precinct might look like and what’s most important to include. You can tell us:

Community feedback will shape the priorities and values that go into the consultancy brief. This includes:

• What you want to see at Johnsons Beach/Beecraft Point (e.g. playgrounds, paths, access, facilities, art, environmental care).
• How these spaces can better reflect the identity and needs of Penguin.

What can’t the community influence?

Some parts of the project are already decided, including:

• The decision to undertake the project.
• Dog access on Johnsons Beach.
• The overall project budget.
• Changes to “the Nut”.
• Relocation of the Scouts.
• The Caravan Park.
• When and how consultants will be hired to do the design work.

Stage 1 consultation runs from 24 November to 14 December. There are lots of ways to get involved:

• Share your ideas on this My Central Coast page.
• Visit our community drop-in session on Monday 1 December at the Penguin Senior Citizens' Club from 11am to 7pm.
• Speak with the Strategic Growth team at Council’s Ulverstone office.
• Keep an eye on Council’s website, social media, and the Antenno app for updates.

All feedback will be collected, analysed, and used to influence the consultant brief early next year.

We want to know what’s important to you at Johnsons Beach, and how this area could better support our community. The section we’re focusing on is highlighted in the image below. Click each button to share your feedback.