Crescent Head: Foreshore project rides on after council put breaks on for further consultation
Kempsey Shire Council has endorsed a new plan for the delivery of the iconic Crescent Head foreshore redevelopment after the project stalled last month due to community concerns over the design.
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The Crescent Head community will be afforded a fresh opportunity to influence the future of one of the state's most picturesque surfing reserves, following the approval of a new two-year engagement and design plan for the project.
At a meeting of Kempsey Shire Council on Wednesday, Council approved an engagement and design review methodology for the iconic surfing precinct that will be rolled out over the next 24 months.
The estimated cost of the review will be upwards of $150,000, allowing for a more in-depth and consultative process than was originally afforded to residents in the previous design phase.
Planning for the project was put on the back burner last month, following concerns from residents about the concept designs created - in particular, the loss of parking from the proposed upgrades.
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Liz Campbell, said the new engagement process would allow Council to focus on the 'big picture'.
“Community engagement is never a waste of time, no matter what form it takes,” Cr Campbell said.
“The plans for Crescent Head take time to get right because Crescent Head is unique, it is its own place and deserves the extra time and thought to get the best result.
"Council realised we needed to take a step back to move forward with plans for the Crescent Head foreshore and it is great to see the result of substantial and meaningful engagement with the community.”
The new engagement process lays out a multistage approach, which will commence next month. It will include, but is not limited too, the review of previous engagement materials, establishing a Community Advisory Group with stakeholders and a public exhibition period of the plans once created.
Further details on the engagement process to date can be found on Council’s Crescent Head Your Say Macleay page at ksc.pub/crheadplans.
Earlier
Back to the future for visionary foreshore project
July 22, 2021
Plans to redevelop one of the state’s most picturesque surfing reserves will be shelved and restarted again after a council voted to halt progress on the Crescent Head foreshore.
Four design options to proceed with planning for construction on the Crescent Head Domain Project were submitted to Kempsey Shire Council’s Wednesday meeting, in the hope that councillors would select one to allow the project to commence.
The options, amended following the May council meeting, had prompted extensive community feedback – allowing for staff to make changes and recommend a way forward on Wednesday.
That way forward was to build 133 carparking spaces, create a ‘surf check’ section on the headland and provide an enlarged and enhanced playground area. The option also included plans to expand creek front parkland.
This option, nor the other three, where selected. Instead, the council voted for the project to be revised in greater consultation with the community over the next two years.
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, said the importance of the project and the passion in the community made it essential to take the time to get the right vision for the whole of Crescent Head.
“Sometimes people don’t speak up until they see the plans and what they mean, which is perfectly understandable,” mayor Campbell said.
“The engagement that occurred with the community before and after the 2017 Crescent Head Master Plan has played a vital role in getting us to this point, but clearly there is a significant number of people who feel left out of that process.
We need to work with them to make sure this crucial vision is unifying and not divisive. That’s why we’re seeking to form a Community Advisory Group as part of this process.”
Save Crescent Head Foreshore spokesman Joshua Dennis said it was a great outcome for the community.
“After council deliberation at yesterdays meeting, they have agreed to re-examine the foreshore plans and are allowing more community consultation to help ensure we get this right for all,” he posted to Facebook.
“Thank you to all who emailed the council over the weekend, or participated in our petition, discussions and shared our message far and wide. Stay tuned for more information.”
Council staff will now bring a plan to the August meeting, the last before the local government elections on September 4.
This plan will outline a road map to delivering an overall concept design in approximately two years, that balances the need for car parks on the foreshore, the need for green space and the need for a playground and skate park.
The key aspect is the formation of the community advisory group including members of relevant stakeholder groups to ensure the new vision recognises the various cultures of Crescent Head.
Further details on the engagement process to date can be found on the Crescent Head Your Say Macleay page.
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