Dozens of people were at the official opening of the Terrigal Boardwalk and upgraded rockpool on April 14, including NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson, and the Council’s new CEO, David Farmer.
Crowds gathered to watch two students from Terrigal High School cut of the ribbon of the $5.8M project jointly funded by the NSW Government and Council.
The Premier made sure the first walk across involved the crowd, saying how important the landmark will be for the community.
“This boardwalk not only connects communities, but I think one thing all of the challenges across the state have shown us is when we walk boardwalks and enjoy our local public space, we connect with each other and feel part of the community,” she said.
Crouch thanked the Premier and Council for their help with the project.
“After two decades of discussion and 11 months of construction, now we have this fantastic boardwalk,” he said.
“What this boardwalk will mean is that people can move freely between the Terrigal (town centre) and the Haven; no matter your age or your ability, you can move safely and easily between the two points.”
Crouch said the boardwalk would benefit locals and be a great attraction for tourists visiting the Central Coast.
“I also want to (give a) shout out to Jamie and the team from Central Coast Council who have done an amazing job through COVID-19 to get this project delivered for everybody – the Council needs to be acknowledged for the great work they have done,” he said.
New Council CEO, David Farmer, said the boardwalk and rockpool will deliver many social, health and economic benefits for the community.
“(They) will be a great visitor drawcard to boost the region’s economy whilst providing a safe and inclusive space for social connection and to encourage active lifestyles,” Farmer said.
“I encourage our community to head to Terrigal to check it out; enjoy the fresh air and sample what local businesses have on offer.”
The 277m boardwalk was designed to complement the natural environment and is composed of materials that can withstand the elements to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance.
It features a viewing platform, integrated seating, lighting, access to the rock platforms and smooth integration with the existing walkways either end.
The restored rockpool is now easy to access, with an access ramp leading to the water and new pathways linking the pool area with the boardwalk and beach promenade.
The Terrigal rockpool renovation project was supported by the NSW Government with a $250,000 grant from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund in addition to funding of $728,542 from Council’s operational budget.
All have not welcomed the opening of the walkway, with Council surveys showing that of 688 written submissions received, 52 per cent expressed general support for the proposal while 48 per cent expressed a lack of support (see website for more information).
Jacinta Counihan
and Terry Collins