NSW Labor leader Chris Minns visited Gosford today, October 22, to commit a Labor State Government to spending $8.5 million towards a feasibility study into the waterfront plans.
The Labor leader said revitalising the waterfront had been talked about for too long.
“We need to get the ball moving and that is exactly what Labor will do if we have the privilege of forming Government in March next year,” Mr Minns said.
“A project of this scale has the potential to transform the community, provide opportunities for local jobs and help grow the local economy. It just needs a government with the belief and will to get it done.”
The funding would go towards a comprehensive investigation into the feasibility of creating an iconic waterfront, resulting in a business case that could be presented to Infrastructure NSW to progress the plans through the Gateway process.
The funding for the study would come from the $23.2 million the Greater Cities Commission have apportioned to the Central Coast but is not allocated to any projects.
Council said when it opened the waterfront plan for public discussion on October 18 that it was seeking a commitment from the NSW Government to fund delivery of the Concept Plan for Gosford waterfront, commencing with a $8.5million contribution to conduct the next stage of work, which is to develop a Waterfront Masterplan and complete a feasibility analysis and business case.
Mr Minns said the people of the Central Coast had passionate advocates in MPs David Harris, Liesl Tesch and David Mehan.
“Together we are determined to get this going,” he said.
David Harris, Member for Wyong, said Labor was committed to a project that delivered maximum public space, was iconic visually and created employment and tourism opportunities.
“After 12 years of Liberal Government Central Coast people have become cynical about projects never delivered, so we want to ensure before moving forward a detailed feasibility study is undertaken which is inclusive of public consultation,” Mr Harris said.
“I was involved in the original public consultation – Gosford Challenge – which was award winning, and we wish to return to that format.
“Unfortunately, the current government were deaf and blind to that vision.”
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford said a vibrant Gosford Waterfront had potential to be the biggest drawcard for locals and visitors alike.
“It will transform Gosford into a city we can be proud of,” she said.
“The Gosford waterfront is a jewel of opportunity and we need to ensure that our city is connected to the fantastic Brisbane Water.
“Now I am determined to shine a positive spotlight on Gosford by connecting the city to our waterfront.”
David Mehan, Member for The Entrance said there had been no real investment in Gosford by the NSW Liberal Government in 12 years of inaction.
“This announcement reaffirms Labor’s commitment to delivering more public space, improving amenity and unlocking the economic potential of our majestic waterfront,” Mr Mehan said.
Representatives from the Mariners, Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council and the Central Coast Bike Users Group attended the announcement.
Public comment on Central Coast Council’s latest waterfront concept is open until December 1.
Residents are urged to share their ideas on how they want the waterfront to be transformed.
Go here for details: https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/gosfordwaterfront.
Photo: from left are Alan Corven Central Coast Bicycle User Group CCBUG, Gabby Bowles Central Coast Mariners, David Harris, Liesl Tesch, David Slade (Mariners), Chris Minns, Barry Duncan (Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council), Brendan Moyle (Darkinjung) and David Mehan.
