A new draft plan of management for the Jetty Foreshores has been developed by the City of Coffs Harbour, with a focus on maintaining public access while allowing for future improvements and community use.
The draft plan covers three Crown reserves at the Foreshores, including the open green space and community building, the Jetty pier, and the Yacht Club and former Deep Sea Fishing Club sites, as well as landside assets at the boat ramp.
Importantly, the plan applies only to Crown land managed by Council and does not include land owned by Property and Development NSW, which is subject to a separate redevelopment proposal.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the update was needed, with the current plan now nearly two decades old.
“The current Plan of Management is 18 years old and no longer fit for purpose,” Cr Williams said.
“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, it will go on public exhibition for 42 days to allow community feedback before returning to Council for final determination.
City Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said the Jetty Foreshores is one of the region’s most significant public spaces.
“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,” Mr Bayliss said.
“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.”
The new plan reflects changes in land management since the existing 2008 document was adopted, including areas such as the marina that are no longer under Council’s control.
Cr Williams said the updated framework provides flexibility to adapt to changing community needs.
“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,” she said.
“At its core, the draft plan is designed to foster ongoing community benefit from the three Crown Land Reserves at the Jetty Foreshores.”
Mr Bayliss said plans of management set out general uses rather than prescribing specific developments.
“Plans of Management for instance do not specify that a shared path, amenity block or kiosk should go in X-spot,” he said.
Under the draft plan, land categorised as ‘General Community Use’ could accommodate new buildings or upgrades to improve facilities for recreation, education, cultural and social activities, as well as changes to roads and parking, public art installations and sustainability measures such as solar panels and rain gardens.
Areas categorised as ‘Park’ could include features such as play and exercise equipment, picnic facilities, community gardens and small-scale commercial activities that support recreational use.
Council says the plan is designed to balance environmental protection with community access and future development, while ensuring the Foreshores continues to serve as a key public space for residents and visitors.
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