COFFS Harbour Jetty Foreshores was an idea promoted by Harry Lovett in an editorial printed in the Advocate-Opinion in 1968.
He had moved to Coffs Harbour in 1934 and worked as a correspondent for the Daily Examiner and Sydney Morning Herald before serving in the 2/2nd Infantry Battalion as Lieutenant.
After his capture at Veria Pass in Greece and four years in German POW camps, he returned to Coffs Harbour to continue his work as newspaper correspondent and worked in the post office.
In 1955 he became editor of the Coffs Harbour Advocate, then the Advocate Opinion in 1966.
He became involved in several community groups and his family were regular beach goers, but unfortunately, he died the day his foreshores editorial was printed in the paper.
Two months after Harry’s death, the Coffs Harbour Apex Club initiated plans to develop the foreshores, announcing it was waiting for the Department of Public Works to approve their acquisition of the land.
They began a public appeal for financial assistance, supported by the department’s local office, along with Council and forwarded plans to the department’s Sydney office.
The project was shelved until 1977 when the Pacific City Lions club took up the project then other clubs, including the Coffs Harbour and Coffs Harbour South Rotary clubs, Coffs harbour Lions club and once again, the Apex club, showed an interest.
A committee was formed with a representative from each club which submitted new plans to the local Council.
After their approval, the Council also arranged a lease for the land from the Department of Public Works.
A $16,000 grant from the state government enabled dune restoration, then a $23,000 grant paid for a central car park before another grant of $100,000 enable the project’s completion.
The foreshores were officially opened in March 1983 by the Governor, Sir James Rowland, who unveiled a plaque in memory of Mr Harry Lovett, with special guests Mrs Gertrude ‘Gertie’ Lovett and David Lovett, Harry’s wife and son.
By Karen FILEWOOD
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