Expand and Enhance the Jetty Parklands NOW

31.1.2019

To The Editor,

Coffs Coast Advocate.

Dear Sir,

Expand and Enhance the Jetty Parklands NOW

The existing Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores Plan of Management (PoM) 2008, clearly describes the Jetty Parkland as extending west from the mean high water mark to the railway line between “Coffs Harbour Port and South Coffs Island” ( from south of the Yacht Club to Corambirra Point).

It also notes that the Lands Department has intentions to acquire the surplus land from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to provide the additional land for the parklands.

When the Minister signed off on the plan in June 2008, the estimate of all capital costs was $5-10million (including additional breakwaters for the boat ramp, sewers being extended to new public toilets, improvements to the public domain and the purchase of ARTC land). This suggests the estimated cost of acquiring the southern ARTC land for parkland at that time was between $1 million and $3 million.

The State Government has recently received more than $6 million from the sale of two properties on the northern side of the Jetty Strip. Why not get on with implementing the managing plan by using this money to purchase the ARTC land required for the Parklands?

It could be many years before developers come up with a proposed plan for development of the areas to the north and south of the Parklands. That plan will then need to go through a lengthy public consultation process. 

 In the meantime, as the population of Coffs Harbour grows (2016= 72,949, 2036= 92,650 – UTS: CLG report), the community and our visitors should be able to access and enjoy the benefits of expanded and enhanced Jetty Parklands.

Will Coffs Harbour’s state and federal political candidates have the foresight to commit to ensuring the western half of the much-loved Parklands is completed as intended? Will they help to create a valuable community asset?

Dr. Garth McGilvray AM