What will be the legacy of Jetty plans?

Letter to the Editor,
Published in the Coffs Harbour Advocate, 4 December 2018

I admit to being disappointed after reading an article in our paper dated in October and am amazed at the short sightedness of the proposed development of our Jetty Foreshores.

We are deciding the future of the most valuable parcel of land in Coffs Harbour, which stretches from the most southern part of Jordan Parade some 700 meters going north to the roundabout.

I understand that the land is state-government owned.

It is the people of Coffs Harbour who should benefit from a proposed development.

If the people of our city are to be the beneficiaries then the last thing we want is the area to be clogged up with some 400-500 apartments along Jordan Esplanade in what ought to be regarded as the playground for our future generation.

There is no doubt that the present proposed development will create major problems, a major issue is the one of parking.

I respectfully suggest that what ought to be considered is moving the existing Jordan Parade westward towards the railway line, thus creating additional recreational space as well as badly needed parking.

Vehicular access would prove to be a seriously issue should the present development get the green light.

I believe that the people of Coffs Harbour are not interested in how much money is going to be made by those involved in the present development proposal, we are far more interested in the legacy we can leave to our children, they are the ones who are going to accuse us for of being short sighted.

Today we still have a clean sheet, let’s not waste it, together as the people of Coffs Harbour we ought to become visionaries and reject the planning of this area by the experts in Sydney.

Dik Bienefelt