Coffs Harbour jetty foreshore community consultation results released

Results from the latest controversial round of consultation to shape the future of Coffs Harbour’s jewel in the crown have been released.

Results from the latest and perhaps most controversial round of community consultation on how the Coffs Harbour jetty foreshore should best be ‘revitalised’ have been released.

On Thursday, September 8, the NSW Government released two reports detailing outcomes from community consultation on the latest draft masterplan for the area, often referred to as Coffs Harbour’s jewel in the crown.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said while the community was divided about how much development was appropriate on the foreshore, overall more people were in support than opposed.

“Six-in-10 people who responded to the survey said they supported development of two to six storeys or higher, and the data suggests younger community members who responded to the survey were more likely to support taller buildings in exchange for improvements to create a buzzing atmosphere in the area,” Mr Singh said.

Aerial view of the Jetty area.

Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the results show overall support for development along the Jetty Foreshore to breathe new life into the precinct and create a thriving destination that locals and tourists want to visit.

“We’re extremely thankful to the more than 3600 people that completed the survey during our seven-week long consultation period and the thousands more we spoke to at our pop-ups, briefings and meetings with Traditional Owners and Elders,” Mr Roberts said.

“While we saw many diverse views on parts of the draft masterplan, what we heard loud and clear is that there’s a clear case for change ensuring the unique, local character and sense of community is maintained.”

The report outlines shops and cafes as the most supported uses to create an active foreshore with 73 per cent of those surveyed in favour, followed by an activity hub adjacent to the Coffs Harbour Train station which received 68 per cent support.

Push to retain public land

Mayor Paul Amos is a member of the Jetty Foreshore Project Steering Advisory Committee (PSAC) and has been vocal in his desire to see public space at the foreshore retained.

He and fellow councillor George Cecato were selected to the committee announced in December 2020 but since a new batch of councillors were elected to office at the local government elections in December 2021 councillor Scott Wolgamot has taken Cr Cecato’s place on the PSAC.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh, then Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, Cr Paul Amos, Cr George Cecato and Commodore John Wait at the announcement of the Jetty Foreshore Project Steering Advisory Committee in December 2020.

Overshadowing the announcement of the committee was a surprise inclusion of retirement living on the former Deep Sea Fishing Club site. At the time, Mr Singh acknowledged the strong opposition and said while he agreed with the idea of finding a different use for the site, he stressed nothing was a “done deal”.

“Personally I wouldn’t like to see a retirement home there and there are better uses for the site,” he said at the time.

Council rejects plan

In June Coffs Harbour council voted to reject NSW Government’s latest jetty foreshore plan with Mr Amos having to warn the public gallery to quieten down before the vote.

The motion to reject the state government plan received the support of all councillors except Rodger Pryce, Tegan Swan and George Cecato.

There have been several rounds of consultation to shape the future of the area often described as Coffs Harbour’s jewel in the crown.

The Jetty foreshore markets are a popular weekly event.

The recent round of consultation by the state government was widely criticised and included a survey with limited options.

Speaking at the recent love-in protest, PSAC member and long-term local Ann Leonard criticised the process and described the latest plans as urbanisation rather than revitalisation.

“Do you want six, do you want eight storeys, or do you want nothing ? – that stopped me in my tracks as I am sure it did a lot of people,” Ms Leonard said.

People formed a heart at jetty beach as part of a ‘love-in protest’ on Sunday, June 26, to show their love for the area, and express their concern about the potential for apartment blocks of up to eight storeys being built there. Picture: Janine Watson

Snapshot of results

Minister Roberts’ office has provided the following snapshot from results of the community consultation broken up into sub-precincts:

Corambirra Point

• More than 70 per cent of respondents support the addition of cafes, restaurants, and a function space, as well as creating a tourist destination at the former Deep Sea Fishing Club site.
• Height levels of 3-4 storeys were supported by 45 per cent of the community, with a further 15 per cent supporting up to 8 storeys.

The Marina

• Over 80 per cent of respondents support pedestrian and carparking improvements to create a more vibrant marina.
• Respondents remain divided about the proposed scale of development up to four storeys, with around 35 per cent strongly supportive and 32 per cent strongly opposed. More than half of all respondents were overall supportive of development up to four storeys.

Foreshore Parklands

• Over 70 per cent of respondents support all proposed upgrades and ideas regarding North Park, the Billabong, Dune Care & Wild play, and Family & Youth Play (which was the highest priority for delivery).
• Respondents overwhelmingly want to see the Foreshore Parklands become a welcoming and inviting place for all, allowing public access to natural beauty.

Jetty Hub

• Around 68 per cent of respondents supported development in the Jetty Hub, while 44 per cent suggested that up to 6 storey development spread over the Jetty Hub was appropriate.Respondents indicated they preferred development to be limited to the west side of Jordan Esplanade.