Bypass the traffic; catch a waterbus

A high frequency ferry service between Gosford and Woy Woy is the first step in the vision for a regional waterbus network spanning Brisbane Water in the south, Tuggerah lakes in the north and eventually Lake Macquarie.

Brisbane Waters WaterBus attended the recent Woytopia festival explaining the vision to reduce road traffic congestion with a waterbus as an eco-friendly alternative.

A WaterBus spokesperson said the first goal was to lobby the NSW Government to issue a request for tender to operate a waterbus between Gosford and Woy Woy.

“Currently the Gosford CBD is bustling with construction due to commitments to provide the region with high-density housing; however challenges remain, such as road traffic congestion, limited car parking space and a railway line that requires motor vehicle access for much of the local population,” the spokesperson said.

“These factors, combined with growing national affordability concerns, are likely to encourage the uptake of walking, cycling and public transport – that’s where the waterbus comes in.”

The waterbus It was first imagined by master mariner Captain John Highton who came to the Central Coast as a teenager.

He died suddenly earlier this year, aged 66, but his vision has been kept alive by good friend and project co-ordinator Dr Sasha Kanthan who said.

“Imagine a future where the waterways are not just scenic backdrops but vibrant arteries of transportation, seamlessly connecting communities while offering breathtaking views and a serene commute,” Kanthan said.

The waterbus has been put forward as one of the services needed on the Coast as part of community consultation for the State Government’s Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan.

Public comment is being sought by the State Government before it drafts plans for transport infrastructure across the Coast.

Comments so far mention the waterbus as well as a northern bypass of Gosford so the waterfront road could be reallocated to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport; and a light rail loop around Gosford, servicing the schools, hospital, sporting areas and shops.

Another idea is a trans-lagoon pathway between Avoca and North Avoca for cyclists and pedestrians to travel between Copacabana and Terrigal.

Further north, suggestions include more cycleways connecting around the Tuggerah Lakes and a freight siding at Berkeley Vale to help link the food manufacturing precinct with ports in Sydney and Newcastle.

To make a submission to the Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan go to the official website: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/central-coast

For more information about the WaterBus visit: www.waterbus.au

Merilyn Vale