Proposed Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores redevelopment to include affordable housing

There’s a fresh twist to the proposed redevelopment of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores. See what’s planned and why council isn’t budging in its opposition.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and City of Coffs Harbour mayor Paul Amos retain different views on the development of the jetty foreshores.

The plan to reimagine the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores has further changed to include affordable housing in the prized beachside precinct.

The stretch of public land by the rail line at The Jetty has been a source of debate for decades.

It’s seen the City of Coffs Harbour and NSW government at loggerheads, while there has also been stark community division over the future of the area.

At one end of the debate has been those who favour high-rise luxe apartments, retail and restaurants, and at the other those who want the open green parkland space preserved.

Wheels are in motion now with Property and Development NSW revealing an imminent proposal to rezone the land.

The revised Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores master plan would include regional playground.

“The community will be able to provide formal submissions to inform the rezoning proposal when it is placed on public exhibition, building on the extensive feedback provided by the community,” a spokesperson said.

The proposed rezoning – a process which could take up to two years – is needed to pave the way for progress of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores master plan which calls for a mix of residential and commercial buildings, along with recreational spaces including a regional playground.

Mayor Paul Amos argues housing at the jetty foreshores – given the prized nature of the location – will not be affordable. Picture: Toby Zerna

Following community feedback, this plan was rethought in December – and there’s a turn in the tale.

Affordable housing is on the radar as an inclusion following the change in state government, with the new Labor administration seeking to make good on a pre-election commitment to ensure developments on “surplus public land” include a minimum of 30 per cent “affordable, social, and universal housing”.

Jayden Coombes from Arrawarra takes the plunge at the jetty – a key recreation spot for locals and visitors. Picture: Chris Knight

Premier Chris Minns has committed to a statewide audit, identifying surplus public land which can be rezoned for housing and associated uses.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said the council would oppose any rezoning, arguing it must be preserved as public recreation land.

The revised Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores master plan would include a boardwalk.

“As a community we can’t let this run away on us. Once it’s gone it’s gone forever,” Cr Amos said.

The mayor said he is writing to the relevant state ministers reminding them of the Labor government’s pre-election pledge to retain the foreshores as public land.

The jetty is a place of memories for many. Women lifesavers, 1931. Mavis Kerr, M Lake, Doreen Shea and Iris Mills of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Surf Lifesaving Club.

Cr Amos said council would welcome any “activation” of the land for the purpose of public recreation, but was adamant that must not include private, residential encroachment.

“They have to retain the land as open space – any other interpretation on that would be mischievous,” he said.

Key points of the state’s revised master plan for the area include:

The revised Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores master plan would include recreation courts.

* Of the total site area, 20 per cent is for parking and roads, 35 per cent is dedicated to open space and public domain, 39 per cent is enhanced existing vegetation and six per cent is being developed (3 per cent for tourism uses, and 1.5 per cent for each of residential and for commercial and community).

* Affordable, diverse and ‘key worker’ housing is proposed within the government-owned land earmarked for residential development to enhance inclusiveness within the precinct.

Harbourside Markets at Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores.

* Building heights would be capped at six storeys, with a majority of the proposed buildings capped to a maximum of four-storeys. The proposal includes only two buildings at six-storeys at the Jetty Walkway.

Cr Amos said it was hard to imagine how any housing at the foreshores – given its prized location – could be affordable.

The foreshores are a family-friendly location which is often considered Coffs Harbour’s jewel in the crown. Picture: Chris Knight

He added the plan for a mix of six and four-storey buildings could easily be exceeded given the “fluidity” of regulated height limits.

Coffs Harbour Nationals MP Gurmesh Singh has backed the general thrust of the state’s outline for the jetty foreshores.

“The NSW Labor government appears to be on the right track with the jetty foreshores’ revitalisation, a process begun by the former Coalition government,” Mr Singh said.

“This is a great result for Coffs Harbour and it appears the Minister (Steve Kamper) has put the will of the community ahead of politics.

“The jetty foreshores activation is supported by most people in Coffs Harbour – they’ve endorsed a positive vision for a thriving precinct to take our city forward.”