Jetty foreshore project protest: Coffs Harbour Councillors speak at love-in

Watch as protesters formed a heart to show their love for the jetty and express concerns over plans which could see eight storey apartment blocks along the coastal strip.

People came down to the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore on Sunday, June 26, to form a human heart shape on the sand.

Billed as a ‘love-in’, organiser Mark Graham welcomed speakers, including deputy mayor Dr Sally Townley and fellow Coffs Harbour City Councillor Tony Judge.

Council recently voted to reject the NSW Government’s latest plans for the foreshore.

Mr Judge likened the fight ahead, to Council’s fight for tunnels on the Coffs bypass.

“We fought back on the bypass, we can do this, we just need to mobilise,” Mr Judge said.

“To borrow from a great Australian fictional character – ‘tell’em they’re dreaming’.”

Ann Leonard is a member of the state government-appointed Jetty Foreshores Planning Advisory Committee.

She addressed the crowd telling of her connection to the area, but saying she feels on the “outer edge” of the group.

Ms Leonard also echoed the concerns many have expressed with the latest round of state government consultation and a survey with very limited options.

“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.

“I have had an association with this area since the age of seven – if not for Jetty Dunecare we would be standing on sand right here.

“This is not revitalisation but urbanisation.”

Organisers have created an alternative survey via survey monkey.