EXPRESSIONS of Interest (EOI) have opened for a development partner to transform approximately 41,800 square metres of state-owned land between Jordan Esplanade and the railway line at the Jetty Foreshore.
The Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said that some of the best land on the Coffs Harbour waterfront was currently locked away from public use.
“Rather than fenced-off areas, gravel parking and vacant rail land, we want to see a foreshore that is active, welcoming and accessible,” Mr Kamper said.
“This is an opportunity to create a waterfront destination that better serves the community and showcases everything that makes Coffs Harbour so special.”
The Government’s proposal includes approximately 250 new homes and 130 tourist accommodation rooms, alongside new public open space, a multi-purpose community area and better connections between the city and the harbour.
The media release from Planning and Development NSW (PDNSW) said, “Community feedback helped shape the final vision, resulting in reduced maximum building heights from 25 metres to 22.5 metres and additional public open space.”
The release did not mention that two lots of community feedback, consisting of a poll at the last Council election and feedback to the draft proposal, both had more than 60 per cent of respondents rejecting the Government’s proposal.
The Department said plans also included a 3 per cent affordable housing contribution, improved accessibility throughout the precinct, and the retention of additional public recreation land at the Marina Drive entrance.
“The revitalisation will unlock new opportunities for housing, tourism and local jobs while creating more places for the Coffs Harbour community and visitors to enjoy,” the Department said.
Foreshores For All Spokesperson, Bruce Weir, said: “It is quite soul-destroying to see the latest ministerial press release and the beginning of the marketing campaign for the land at the jetty foreshores.
“To have a Minister who has never once stood before the community and listened tell us that ‘community feedback helped shaped the final vision’ is an absolute disgrace.
“The marketing campaign is possible following council agreeing to the General Manager finalising a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with PDNSW.
“This is the final betrayal of this community by our elected representatives.”
Mr Weir said, in apparent contravention of council’s own VPA policy, councillors did not appear to have seen an independent Quantity Surveyors report.
“The report they do have has been provided by PDNSW and at this stage they are refusing to release it for public scrutiny.
“Why?
“The cost estimate is similar to the Loch Ness Monster.
“Much talked about but nobody seems to have seen it.”
The Voluntary Planning Agreement with Coffs Harbour City Council allows for $10.85 million in developer contributions, which the Government says will enhance public open spaces, community facilities, local infrastructure and improvements to the Jetty Foreshore.
The Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said that Coffs Harbour deserved a world-class waterfront precinct that would drive tourism and hospitality in the region.
“Once bypassed we need to ensure that our city remains a destination that people want to come to, and local families also deserve the upgraded public domain improvements like better playgrounds and picnic areas,” Mr Singh said.
“Our city can’t wait two more decades for something to happen.”
The successful development partner will be required to deliver the approved planning outcomes, including protecting views towards Muttonbird Island and Corambirra Point.
The land subject to the EOI does not include the former Deep Sea Fishing Club site, the proposed hotel site at Corambirra Point, the Marina, or Ferguson’s Cottage.
The EOI campaign will run until Friday 18 December 2026, with shortlisted proponents expected to be invited to participate in a Request for Proposals process in 2027.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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