Interest grows in waterbus for Coast

From left: Peninsula Residents Association Vice-President Julian Bowker, Eric Laakmann and waterbus initiative co-ordinator Sasha Kanthan at the information session

Momentum is building for a Central Coast waterbus, with a third information session held on March 6 at Woy Woy Library drawing interest from industry leaders and the local community.

The project aims to provide an affordable and convenient regional waterbus network, seamlessly connecting communities on the Central Coast.

The vision was initially put forward by the late John Highton, a long-time Peninsula resident.

A steering committee was established in February to advance the project, chaired by Emeritus Professor Catherine Bridge of the University of NSW.

“We’re thrilled to see growing interest in this initiative,” she said.

“A reliable waterbus service could transform how communities across the Central Coast connect.

Bridge is a renowned expert in creating inclusive built environments and leveraging innovative technology to enhance wellbeing and quality of life.

She has shared her expertise at major research forums across Australia, the US, Ireland, Malaysia, South Korea, and New Zealand.

Her work spans housing, health, ageing, sustainability, and smart design, with a strong focus on integrating technology to create more inclusive and sustainable communities.

The session featured Eric Laakmann, CEO of Vessev, who visited from New Zealand.

The March 6 meeting was well attended

Team members also attended the Everything Electric Show in Sydney the following day, where they met Gustav Hasselskog, founder of Candela, who was visiting from Sweden.

Candela and Vessev are the only manufacturers of small to medium electric hydrofoils with vessels already in commercial service.

Hydrofoils are among several vessel types being considered for a local waterbus service.

Further public consultations are planned in the coming months. Sign up for the monthly newsletter at https://www.waterbus.au

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