New concept plans for the Gosford waterfront have been welcomed by Labor MPs and the business sector, but they all agree the views of the community will be essential to delivering an end result which ticks all the boxes.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said the documents released will restart the conversation regarding the creation of a world class waterfront precinct but residents should guide what a final plan should look like.
“The former NSW Labor Government, in consultation with the then Gosford City Council, developed a strategy for Gosford entitled Our City Our Destiny which involved a very detailed public consultation process over several years,” they said.
“This document essentially continues to drive the strategic direction of Gosford City, with the important waterfront precinct being the last element (following) the hospital/university precinct, the central business core, and the railway precinct
“It was always envisaged that to create a vibrant city there had to be connection to the waterfront.
“It is vitally important that the community talks about the kind of waterfront precinct they want, to ensure large amounts of public space, visual impacts, and important issues such as access and parking in the development of any plan moving forward.”
Harris said the current visuals are high level concept pictures and any final development would look quite different.
“It is important we start the discussion on a world class, vibrant waterfront, even with the Council in Administration, because it’s already been 12 years since the original concept plans were put forward,” he said.
“The current period of Administration is not due to end until the new elections in September 2024 and these catalyst projects, which correctly require a large amount of public discourse should start as soon as possible.”
Tesch urged all local residents to put forward their vision of how we can transform the waterfront.
“After 12 years of inaction in the city of Gosford, I am very excited to champion a development which will put Gosford on the world stage,” she said.
“It is so important that local residents put forward their own views on the Gosford Waterfront Precinct”.
“We have the ability to be a fabulous tourist destination by unlocking the potential of Gosford.
“This will enhance our beautiful public lands and shine a spotlight connecting the city to our waterfront.”
Terry Collins