NSW opposition leader Chris Minns visited Gosford on Saturday to throw NSW Labor’s support behind the redevelopment of the Gosford waterfront with an initial $8.5M pledge to conduct geotechnical and planning work.
Minns was joined by representatives from the Darkingung Land Council, the Gosford/Erina Business Chamber, Central Coast Mariners the Bicycle Users Group and his Central Coast Labor colleagues Liesl Tesch MP, David Harris Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Member for The Entrance David Mehan.
With the next NSW state election set to take place next March, the NSW Labor Party has committed to the latest planning process for the revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront if elected.
Minns, said the council’s ambitious plan would support recreation, boost local tourism and create opportunities for local business to participate in the construction and after development.
With revitalisation plans currently at a concept only phase, the funding would go towards a comprehensive investigation into the feasibility of creating an iconic waterfront, resulting in a business case that can be presented to Infrastructure NSW to progress the plans through the Gateway process.
“With a business case in hand, it will finally create certainty over what can be delivered along the Gosford Waterfront, and provide confidence for any future investment decisions,” he said.
“Labor has always believed that Gosford needs to transform from a city with a waterfront into a waterfront city to unlock its economic and public amenity potential.
“When Labor was last in Government it left office with the comprehensive Our City Our Destiny plan which featured deep consultation with community, business and local Government about what could be achieved on the waterfront.
“Labor’s $8.5M commitment is the largest funding announcement to delivering a vibrant Gosford Waterfront since 2011 and reaffirms our commitment to reinvigorate Gosford city.”
The investment would come from the $23.2M the Greater Cities Commission has apportioned to the Central Coast.
Minns said the redevelopment of the waterfront had been talked about for “far too long”.
“We need to get the ball moving and that is exactly what Labor will do if we have the privilege of forming Government in March next year,” he said.
“A project of this scale has the potential to transform the community, provide opportunities for local jobs and help grow the local economy.”
labor leader, chris minns
“It just needs a government with the belief and will to get it done.”
Minns said the region had passionate advocates in local MPs David Harris (Wyong), Liesl Tesch (Gosford) and David Mehan (The Entrance).
Harris said Labor was is committed to a project that delivers maximum public space, is iconic visually and creates employment and tourism opportunities.
“After 12 years of Liberal Government Central Coast people have become cynical about projects never delivered, so we want to ensure before moving forward a detailed feasibility study is undertaken which is inclusive of public consultation,” he said.
“I was involved in the original public consultation – Gosford Challenge, which was award winning – and we wish to return to that format.”
Tesch said a vibrant Gosford Waterfront has potential to be the biggest drawcard for locals and visitors alike.
“It will transform Gosford into a city we can be proud of,” she said.
“The Gosford waterfront is a jewel of opportunity and we need to ensure that our city is connected to the fantastic Brisbane Water.”
Mehan said after 12 years of inaction had seen no real investment in Gosford.
“This announcement reaffirms Labor’s commitment to delivering more public space, improving amenity and unlocking the economic potential of our majestic waterfront,” he said.
Edgar Adams, Director of the Erina/Gosford Chamber of Commerce also spoke of the support in the business community to get moving on the redevelopment as soon as possible.
David Abrahams
That’s $8.5m to see if it is feasible to develop a concept.