30 SEPTEMBER 2022
ISSUE 361
News
A bold new plan
NSW biosecurity specialists were called to a property at Mandalong last week following the detection of a colony of cane toads lurking under a sheet of tin. See page 3
Out&About
Just like the local wildflowers after all the rain, the local artists across the Bouddi peninsula will be blossoming with creativity over the October long weekend. See page 20
Business
Council’s Administrator Rik Hart, Director Dr Alice Howe and CEO David Farmer A concept design of the plan looking south
For decades ideas for the revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront have been floated and ultimately rejected, but Central Coast Council is determined that now is the time to act and will put a preferred concept out for public comment in three weeks’ time. It is a mammoth plan stretching along the entire waterfront from the railway line to beyond the Sailing Club and includes a mix of commercial, retail and accommodation options, along with a ferry terminal, outdoor recreational areas and even an
amphitheatre. Endorsed at the September 27 meeting, the plan also features: a public building (with a purpose yet to be identified); multi-storey buildings jutting into Brisbane Water to house residences, retail, and dry boat storage; a ferry terminal over by the rail bridge; a walkway atop a seawall encircling the development; a pedestrian bridge over Dane Dr for access from Leagues Club Park to the waterfront; and an expanded water playground outside Gosford Pool. The plan also includes a
conference hall, a boutique hotel on the waterfront and another hotel on the former site of the Gosford Bowling Club. Council has resolved to commence community engagement to inform development of a draft Gosford Waterfront Masterplan and seek NSW Government funding to progress the project. Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the time is right to make Gosford an iconic waterfront city, better connecting Sydney to the Central Coast and enhancing opportunities for people to live
and work in the region. “Revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront is the Central Coast’s key enabling project; it reimagines the waterfront as not only a major opportunity for the city’s renewal, but a chance for Gosford City to join the great waterfronts of the world,” he said. “The waterfront is a place for people. “With this development it will become a vibrant urban foreshore with entertainment, maritime services, tourism and residential living, and a net increase in the public domain.
“From every angle, whether it be looking at the water, or looking back toward the CBD, the waterfront precinct will bring Gosford together through growing residency, and visitor attractions stimulating economic and job growth.” Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer, said as Council moves forward with its financial recovery, there is a sense of confidence and positivity from government and business in partnering with Council in the vision for Gosford as a whole.
Breaking News: Munmorah named as preferred site for super battery. Page 22
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Continued page 4
Central Coast business Personalised Favours has been named Medium Retailer of the Year by the National Retail Association. See page 21
Sport
At the culmination of a riveting day of rugby at Central Coast Stadium, the Terrigal Trojans hung on to take out the 2022 CCRU Premier 1 Grand Final 13 points to 8 over long-time rivals, the Ourimbah Razorbacks. See page 32
Puzzles page 18