New Draft Management Plan for Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores

A NEW draft plan of management for the Jetty Foreshores, which prioritises community benefit, has been developed by the City of Coffs Harbour.

The plan covers three Crown Reserves – the largely open green space Foreshores (including the Community Building), the Jetty pier and the Yacht Club/former Deep Sea Fishing Club sites.

It also takes in the landside assets at the boat ramp.

Mayor Nikki Williams said, “The current Plan of Management is 18-years-old and no longer fit for purpose”.

“The new draft plan still dictates that the lands are managed and developed for public open space and recreational purposes.

“This can include compatible commercial activities like food kiosks and amenity blocks.

“There is also an emphasis on protecting and enhancing the natural environment.”

The draft plan was adopted by Council at its 19 March meeting and will now be sent to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for review.

If approved unchanged, it will be put on public exhibition for 42 days for feedback before returning to Council for determination.

City Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said, “The Jetty Foreshores is seen as a key area of Coffs Harbour as it is significant on a number of fronts – tourism, cultural, historical and environmental.

“This draft plan covers public Crown Land at the Foreshores and not land owned by Property NSW which is subject to a current redevelopment proposal.”

Mr Bayliss said plans of management speak generally to the type of uses and activities that might be accommodated – in keeping with the reasons for the gazettal of Crown Lands.

“For instance [they] do not specify that a shared path, amenity block or kiosk should go in ‘x’ spot.”

Where reserve land is categorised General Community Use, the draft plan would broadly allow for development including new buildings and infrastructure alterations to existing buildings, where the work provides improved facilities for recreational, educational, cultural, leisure, health or social activities.

This might include alterations to internal roads and carpark layouts to improve access and parking associated with future use and development, sculptures, artwork or signage of a natural, social or cultural quality, and water saving initiatives such as rain gardens, and energy saving moves such as solar lights and solar panels.

Improvements to reserve land categorised as “Park” could include play and exercise equipment, bike racks, half-court basketball and bocce courts, picnic tables, barbecues, sheltered seating areas, storage sheds, community gardens and commercial development supporting the park’s use (e.g. recreation equipment hire).

Councillor Tony Judge said the draft plan is largely an administrative update.

“Rather than establishing new principles, it references the history of the area, sets out the applicable zoning areas and specifies permissible usage.

“Nothing in the document either encourages or discourages the State Government’s plans for the area.”

Cr Williams said, “The draft plan authorises the existing wide variety of land uses of the three reserves at the Foreshores.

“It also gives Council some flexibility to modify the use, management or development of the reserves if public needs and expectations evolve.”

By Andrew VIVIAN