Gumbaynggirr elders in northern NSW ‘strongly oppose’ Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores development

It’s a hard no to the state’s Coffs Jetty Foreshores plan from an elder, who’s spoken out on behalf of an Indigenous group hours from council elections. But a NSW government body has responded.

The state government has been pushing ahead with Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores plans. Pictured is an artist impression.

‘Should some of the foreshore land be multi-level private residential development?’

It’s the question Coffs voters will have to answer in a poll about the future of the Jetty Foreshores when they take part in the NSW Local Government elections on Saturday.

In a fierce move, Gumbaynggirr Elders, the traditional custodians of the area, have spoken out advising the community they will be responding with a hard no at the booths.

Reg Craig speaks out on behalf of the Garlambila Guyuu Girrwaa Gumbaynggirr elders group.

Prominent Gumbaynggirr Elder Reg Craig spoke against the state government’s proposal to develop the Foreshores hours from the City of Coffs Harbour council vote.

The NSW government states the plan will be respectful of the regional Indigenous community and consultation has occurred.

Mr Craig said the Gumbaynggirr elders group, Garlambila Guyuu Girrwaa, “have never been consulted by the state government”.

In response, a Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) spokesman said on Friday the precinct would be “a world-class oceanfront precinct by respecting Gumbaynggirr, environmental and maritime roots now and into the future”.

“Our work in Coffs Harbour is informed by extensive engagement, including with Aboriginal community,” he said.

Asked if there had been direct consultation with the Gumbaynggirr elders group, no response was provided.

He said: “The revised masterplan was delivered following consultation with local Aboriginal people and landowners, facilitated by Aboriginal engagement consultant Murawin.”

“Broad, inclusive and transparent consultation with all stakeholders, for each step of the master planning process, will continue to be a priority,” the spokesman said.

In a video shared on Facebook by community group Foreshore For All Mr Craig spoke of opposition.

“We fully strongly oppose it,” Mr Craig said on behalf of the elders.

“It will ruin the whole area. “It’s not meant for development and never was.

“The development they have planned currently will destroy what we call Gumbaynggirr country.”

When contacted by this publication, Mr Craig said the area needed to remain open space.

“If they do this we’ve lost that space forever,” he said.

The foreshores development plans long caused angst in the Coffs community. Pictured is another artist impression.

Mr Craig said the Gumbaynggirr people shared country with the Coffs community and the Jetty Foreshores had a shared history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

“Together I believe we can be a force and hopefully have this stopped,” he said.

Plans for the area have long divided the community. In the lead up to the election, Coffs Harbour councillors and mayoral candidates have shared their views.

Perhaps the most contentious parts of the plan include plans for accommodation and a maximum of two areas ear marked for a maximum of six storey developments.

The (PDNSW) spokesman said the government’s plans have been “purposefully shaped around“ the “shared insights and experiences” of stakeholders, including the Indigenous community.

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Originally published as Gumbaynggirr elders in northern NSW ‘strongly oppose’ Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores development