Coffs Harbour jetty foreshore vote included in September 14 NSW local government election

Coffs Harbour voters will have three ballot papers to consider with one hot-button election issue the subject of a mini referendum.

Voters in Coffs Harbour will have three ballot papers to consider with one hot-button election issue the subject of a mini referendum.

Sometimes referred to as Coffs’ jewel in the crown, the city’s Jetty Foreshore Precinct has been earmarked by the state government for major development.

The plans have put current Mayor Paul Amos and Coffs Harbour Nationals MP Gurmesh Singh at odds.

It’s not the first time the council has clashed with the state, with the $82 million cultural and civic space sparking a bitter divide – and Mr Singh at one point calling for a halt to the project.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and current mayor Paul Amos have been at odds over plans for the jetty precinct.

The electorate takes in affluent seaside villages like Sawtell and Woolgoolga and extends into picturesque hinterland regions like Nana Glen – Russel Crowe’s home away from home.

The region is undergoing major growth and the council recently rebranded itself as The City of Coffs Harbour.

On September 14, voters will have their usual two ballot papers – one for mayor and one for councillor.

The third ballot is a $70,000 mini referendum on the future development of the jetty and harbour area down near the railway line.

Coffs Harbour’s timber jetty looking across to Muttonbird Island.

The state government, which owns the land through its agency Property and Development NSW, unveiled redevelopment plans in May to a mixed response.

Mr Amos, who is once again vying for the mayoral role in the September elections, is firmly against the plans, which include the construction of high rise apartments and 450 dwellings (250 private and 200 short stay units).

He brought a motion to councillors in May to hold what he termed a ‘people’s poll’ as he believes the state government’s consultation on the issue was deeply flawed.

Mr Singh is standing firm saying more than 3600 responses informed their current plans for the area.

“The majority of people in Coffs Harbour want to see this current site transformed into a thriving destination that attracts tourists, supports local jobs and businesses, addresses housing needs and makes us all proud,” he said.

Concept plans for development including high-rise apartments near the water at the Coffs Jetty precinct.

Other councillors against the plans, like Tony Judge who will be running for mayor in September, are particularly concerned about the residential component.

Mr Judge has likened the state’s plans to creating a gated community at the jetty.

The poll will have a yes or no gauging opinions on four different aspects of the plans including the state government rezoning land there and selling portions off to enable the development.

Current councillor and mayoral candidate George Cecato will be voting yes for the plans and says the referendum question is misleading.

“It says in the jetty foreshores, implying anywhere in the foreshores, while in fact most of the development will be behind the fence towards the railway lines on lands not used before for public recreation,” he said.

Cr George Cecato.

Mr Cecato also says the questions overstates the density of the development.

“What is proposed will be three to four levels with two strategically placed to be no more than six stories high.”

Nikki Williams, also vying for the top job in September, has some experience on the campaign trail running on the Roger Pryce ticket at the last election. Mr Pryce was elected but resigned in June before his term was up.

Ms Williams says the referendum question lacks vital context and is not binding.

“The $70,000 cost could be better spent on essential council services,” Ms Williams said.

Greens mayoral candidate and current councillor Jonathan Cassell says he will be voting no because he hears from many people that it’s a “big no” to residential apartments east of the train line.

“This is the busiest beach in Coffs Harbour and if 1000 people are living down there it will undermine our community value in the place. Residential development is not something I can then support,” Mr Cassell said.

Newcomer on the mayoral campaign Rodney Fox thinks the jetty referendum question doesn’t capture the complexity of the issue and is keen to focus on other topics with his ‘back to basics’ pledge.

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