A concept design has been developed and Central Coast Council is now inviting community feedback on its proposal to build a $5.8m boardwalk from Terrigal Beach promenade to The Haven.
Council’s aim “significantly pedestrian access” is to improve between the two destinations and “enhance the experience of the area for locals and visitors’ A $2.9m NSW Government Regional Growth Environment and Tourism grant has been received for the project, and another $2.9m will need to be provided by Council from its capital works budget. Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy, said the Terrigal boardwalk would be a catalyst project for the Central Coast. “We value feedback from the community, and as such, we’re calling on local residents to have their say on our preliminary plans for this exciting project,” Mr Murphy said.
“This feedback will then be used to identify any issues that may need to be further investigated during the detailed design and construction stages.”
Mayor Jane Smith said that the development of the boardwalk in Terrigal has the potential to grow tourism on the Coast, as it will attract more visitors, and in turn boost the local economy. “The community has told us, through our Community Strategic Plan, that they want our town centres activated as key destinations and attractors for businesses, residents, visitors and tourists,” Mayor Smith said. “I understand there are different views on this project and I want to assure local residents, visitors and the broader community, that we are interested in all views and will take them on board as this project progresses.”
According to the Your Voice Our Coast website, geotechnical studies and an environmental assessment have been carried out to ensure that all impacts and risks have been considered. A review of environmental factors (REF) available on Your Voice Our Coast said: “At present, the existing rock headland and steep portion of the Scenic Highway and Terrigal Esplanade limits easy access between Terrigal Beach and The Haven. “An existing path along the Scenic Highway and Terrigal Esplanade connects Terrigal Beach to The Haven carpark. “However, it is steep and moves users away from the foreshore. “There is an option to climb over the rocks between Terrigal Beach and The Haven, although this alternative option is considered dangerous.”
Grated fl ooring on the viewing platform will allow users to view water and ensure sunlight can still reach the seabed
According to the REF, three options were considered, a light-weight timber boardwalk that would follow the natural cliff line, a cable-stay boardwalk with a striking support mast visible from The Haven, or an elevated boardwalk with integrated seating and viewing platforms composed of timber and perforated metal decking.
The latter has been advanced as Council’s preferred option. “The proposal is to construct an approximate 220 metre boardwalk connecting the existing pathway at the Terrigal rock pool to the west, with The Haven at the existing seawall adjacent. “The boardwalk is hoped to become a tourist attraction and a destination enhancing experience which complements the natural coastal environment.” According to the REF, the need for a masterplan for the waterfront area of Terrigal dated back to 1991, and a boardwalk has been on the table since 2009, when Gosford Council included it in a Terrigal Haven Plan of Management.
The review of environmental factors concluded that Council should approve the proposal on the basis that mitigation measures would “ensure that the construction and operation of the boardwalk occurs without signifi cant environmental impact”. The design of the proposal was carried out as part of the Investigation into Terrigal Town Centre Public Domain Improvements, approved by the Council’s Operational Plan 2017-18. According to the REF, a biodiversity assessment found no threatened species or ecological communities were directly observed on the site.
No dredging or reclamation has been proposed as part of the project, but a permit would be required for harming marine vegetation. The proposal is located across four Crown Land lots and Council is the Reserve Trustee of one of those lots. The Crown Lands Management Act will determine who will need to issue leases or licences over the other three lots to allow Council to construct the boardwalk, and Ministerial approval is likely to be required.
The boardwalk has been designed for pedestrians and cyclists but fishing will not be permitted. Pop up stalls will be held on Terrigal Beach Esplanade on Saturday, November 24, from 9am to 1pm, and at Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club on Wednesday, November 28, from 4pm to 7pm. Submissions will also be accepted until Friday, December 15. Feedback will be used to identify any issues and opportunities to further investigate during the detailed design and construction stages.
Source: Your voice our coast, Nov 19 A boardwalk for Terrigal Media release, Nov 13 Central Coast Council media