Construction begins on $5.8m Terrigal boardwalk and viewing platform

Work has finally begun on the controversial $5.8 million boardwalk linking Terrigal and The Haven. And a local MP has one message for naysayers.

Artist impression of the new boardwalk joining The Haven with Terrigal. Picture: supplied

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With work finally starting on the long-awaited boardwalk and viewing platform linking

Terrigal Beach to The Haven, Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Adam Crouch has one message for naysayers: “don’t walk on it”.

The Terrigal state Liberal MP’s blunt message to a small but vocal minority who wanted to retain the natural landscape or expressed concerns regarding safety in rough conditions, comes as earthmoving equipment began to descend on the beach at The Haven where work is already underway on a $250,000 upgrade of the rock pool.

Weather depending, the $5.8 million project — funded equally by state and local government — is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Artists impressions of the proposed Terrigal boardwalk.

Mr Crouch anticipates those who were against the elevated 277m-long boardwalk would forget their objections by the time it opened just in time for summer.

“My advice to anyone (who objected to it) is don’t walk on it, just don’t use it,” he said.

A jubilant Mr Crouch was joined by Central Coast Council’s economic development and project delivery unit manager Jamie Barclay to do the ceremonial turning of the first sod on Friday.

Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch and council’s Jamie Barclay get good hang time as they toss the first sod at the start of construction for the boardwalk. Picture: Richard Noone

“A boardwalk at Terrigal has been talked about for decades and I am thrilled that

construction is finally underway,” Mr Crouch said.

“The boardwalk will be 277 metres long and include integrated seating, lighting and a

viewing platform. It will also improve accessibility around Terrigal, particularly for the

elderly, parents with prams and people with disability who struggle to walk up the

existing steep pathway.”

Artist impression of how the new boardwalk will look as it connects with The Haven. Picture: supplied

“I know the vast majority of our community strongly supports this project and I want to

congratulate Central Coast Council for getting on with the job of delivering this fantastic

project that will benefit literally thousands of residents.”

Mr Barclay said while many activities had come to a standstill in an effort to stop

the spread of COVID-19, the boardwalk and rock pool restoration project had been

able to continue as planned.

Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch with Central Coast Council's Economic Development and Project Delivery unit manager Jamie Barclay. Picture: Richard Noone

“Council is progressing projects where it is safe to do so to help boost the local

economy and create jobs amid the COVID-19 crisis, and this major project’s

construction works will contribute to this,” Mr Barclay said.

“The construction is being undertaken by Land & Marine Ocean Engineering Pty Ltd,

a company with existing employees on the Central Coast that provided a commitment

where possible to employ local Central Coast subcontractors and labourers as well as

sourcing locally supplied equipment and materials.

“We are grateful to the NSW Government for funding this project which will create a

new attraction for the area and continue to deliver economic benefits.”

Artists impressions of the proposed Terrigal boardwalk.