Well-known Gosford businessman Graham Black has expressed grave concerns over potential flooding issues which could ensue from the redevelopment of the Gosford waterfront and says careful planning must be involved.
“I am very much in favour of enhancing the Gosford waterfront and the long-term future of Gosford but am concerned with potential exacerbation of flooding it may cause in the area west of rail line from Ourimbah to Point Clare,” Black said.
“I believe this area has a catchment of around 50sqkm and, being highly developed, has minimal land absorption.”
Black said the main place for rainwater to escape the catchment is the “plughole” – the railway bridge just south of Brian McGowan Bridge.
“It’s about 20m long and 3m high (at a medium tide),” he said.
“Another restricting ‘plughole’ is the bridge next to Gosford RSL Club.
“I owned a real estate business in Gosford CBD for many years and represented the residents and real estate industry on a Council flood committee led by then Mayor Chris Holstein for some years, so understand many aspects of flooding.
“I am also a life member of Gosford Chamber of Commerce and have helped many businesses during past floods.”
Black said the Central Coast Hwy near Racecourse Rd and other areas in the catchment were regularly blocked by flooding.
“This needs to be addressed and considered seriously when considering development of the Gosford waterfront,” he said.
“Flooding in this catchment area could be catastrophic if not controlled by good new planning.”
Black said a previous waterfront development plan showed the current northern breakwall would be moved about 100m south which would be close to the rail bridge.
“In heavy southerly busters and rain this would prohibit water from the catchment escaping and cause major flooding in the northern suburbs,” he said.
Black said he believed there was a bright future for the waterfront and had come up with a number of suggestions to be taken into account in any revitalisation planning.
He says the general view from road to waterfront must not be blocked off by any large development and the northern breakwall should not be moved south as it would exacerbate flooding .
He also suggests moving Gosford Pool, with that area, the small Lions Park to its south and maybe a small part of the carpark on its northern side to be developed as a low-level restaurant, entertainment and integrated casual play park area, without eliminating the boat ramp area.
“Maybe the pool could be relocated to the Ford dealership on Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford, the derelict development on Racecourse Rd behind the Nissan dealership, Kariong Parklands or other sites,” he said.
He suggests minimal commercial development on the existing narrow land between Brian McGowan Bridge, the waterfront and the rail line.
He said a multi-level carpark could be built on parkland below and south of the War Memorial the on corner of Central Coast Hwy and Mann St.
This would be central and not obstruct views.
“Rotary Park, opposite Drifters on the corner of Central Coast Hwy and Vaughan Ave, could have potential to include limited complementary commercial usage,” Black said.
“For some years I have been the Rotarian who has overseen and communicated with Council re ongoing care of the park.
“Parts of Leagues Club Park could accommodate low-rise commercial, entertainment projects that could be viable (and) part of the land south of the Sailing Club could be utilised in a similar way.”
Black said trees on the water side of the Central Coast Hwy and Mann St intersection should be restricted and pruned back to maximise views and Drifters Wharf should be motivated to be a major player in the plan.
“The Central Coast Regional Development Corporation was established by Gosford Chamber of Commerce when Les Graham was president and I was vice-president,” he said.
“Chamber set up their office at Kariong Parklands and did this so the Central Coast would gain a bold voice and achieve more through state government support.
“It worked when locals were involved but now is of no benefit; let’s fix this.”
Black said a fast-track planning and decision making process should also by established.
“There are no easy fixes, but there are numerous ideas that could be easy to put in place in the near future – some later on,” he said.
“These ideas would generally result in low-profile attractive buildings spread out to create a welcoming united entertainment and leisure precinct – (we) should not restrict our great broad outlook over the water.”
Narara Creek, Point Clare Bay and the railway Bridge (The Plug) should be dredged…Narara creek has been silting up for years.
This is great information bringing attention to potential issues particularly the flooding. Traffic flow is another important issue as all this development will bring about congestion in a major thoroughfare to other suburbs. Peak hour is already a slow trip.
I also feel that parkland, trees and open space should not be sacrificed so caution with over development should be a strong consideration for this beautiful area.
yes I agree with point on swimming pool but should be rebuilt as modern indoor facility on same site or on velodrome@Adcock Park if its not being utilised properly.
Leave the waterfront bare as is with drifters and sailing club to scouthall for leisure and recreation not development.
Development going up should be going away from waters edge thru Valley towards Wyoming and north Gosford were there’s more room to spread out and less chance of flooding.
Brian McGowan Bridge and all the traffic will always spoil the aesthetic of that area. There should have been more forethought put into a solution for the traffic.
There is only a small amount of land in that area for what is being planned. Does that mean Council is going to fill part of The Broadwater?
I dread to see the result.
is anyone going to address the parking issues in Gosford? My grandson lives in one of the high rises and there is nowhere for visitors to park i find it extremely frustrating.