E-Newsletter #22

Headlines

• Electric hydrofoiling is coming to Australia

• Draft Hardys Bay Foreshore Masterplan released for community feedback

• Central Coast Council adopts Blueprint Central Coast

• Taupō Hydrofoil Tours: Flying above the weather for premium experiences

• Fullers360: From tourism to public transport

Dive in below to see the latest steps toward cleaner, smarter water transport on the Central Coast.

The Vessev VS-9 electric hydrofoil coming to the Swan River in Perth [Image courtesy of ENAUTIC Group]

Electric hydrofoiling is coming to Australia

Electric hydrofoiling is set to arrive in Australia, with the ENAUTIC Group reserving a fleet of Vessev's VS-9 vessels for the Swan River in Perth. The first boats will reach Western Australia in early 2027, marking the expansion of this innovative technology from New Zealand into Australian waters. Josh Portlock, aerospace engineer and founder of ENAUTIC Group, sees it as the start of something bigger for the city, beginning with premium tourism experiences such as wine cruises, twilight sailings, and private charters.

Starting with tourism allows visitors to experience the technology first-hand while building toward future commuter routes. Portlock notes that hydrofoiling delivers the speed, range, and sustainability needed without compromise. The project positions electric hydrofoiling as one of the fastest and greenest ways to move around Perth, helping cities rediscover their waterways and setting a new standard for sustainable marine transport in Australia.

Hardys Bay aerial view

Draft Hardys Bay Foreshore Masterplan released for community feedback

Central Coast Council, in partnership with the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association (WTKCA), has released a draft masterplan for the Hardys Bay Foreshore, a vital 4km stretch of coastline from Rocky Point to Wagstaffe.

The plan outlines a long-term vision to enhance public access, improve safety, protect and restore the natural environment, and preserve the area's unique local character. It draws on extensive community input and local knowledge to address key issues such as erosion, drainage, pathways, views, and amenity.

The study area is divided into seven precincts, with four detailed focus nodes including:

1. Killcare Hub

2. RSL Creek Area

3. Pretty Beach Public School and Boat Ramp Area

4. Wagstaffe Square and Wagstaffe Wharf

The masterplan proposes practical, staged improvements ranging from a continuous shared pathway and sensitive landscaping to better parking, erosion control, and water access points.

The draft is now on public exhibition. You can view the full document and provide your feedback before submissions close on Monday 11 May 2026.

Provide your feedback here: Draft Hardys Bay Foreshore Masterplan

Your input will help shape the final plan, which will guide future works along this cherished stretch of the Brisbane Water’s southern foreshore.

Central Coast Leadership Forum releases Blueprint Central Coast

Central Coast Council adopts Blueprint Central Coast

Central Coast Council has adopted Blueprint Central Coast, a 52-page document developed by the Central Coast Leadership Forum to drive strong, purpose-driven local leadership and unlock the region's economic potential.

The blueprint addresses major challenges including an ageing population (80,000 residents aged 65+, needing 5,000 more health workers in five years), a significant education gap (only 17.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher versus 27.8% statewide), over-reliance on public funds, and limited tourism growth from short-stay visitors. It calls for a cultural reset at council toward innovation, greater private investment, endorsement of the NSW Central Coast Regional Plan 2041, Place Delivery Groups to speed up projects, a Gosford Renewal Partnership, and a popularly elected mayor.

All eight recommendations, including support for the blueprint and prioritising Gosford waterfront, were approved at the March 28 meeting, with high-priority projects targeted for the 2026/2027 financial year. Backed by Premier Chris Minns and Patron John Singleton, the plan aims to attract investment while preserving the region's lifestyle and environment.

[Source: Coast Community News]

Family tourism operator in NZ adopts electric hydrofoil technology

Taupō Hydrofoil Tours: Flying above the weather for premium experiences

Taupō Water Sports, run by James and Laurel Kells on New Zealand's largest lake, has faced frequent cancellations from unpredictable winds, costing hundreds of thousands in refunds over six seasons with electric Doughboats and seasonal jet skis. They are now launching Taupō Hydrofoil Tours later this year with Vessev's VS-9, the world's first fully electric hydrofoiling tourism boat on freshwater.

Ferry operator Fullers360 in NZ plans to extend hydrofoil service from tourism to public transport

Fullers360: From tourism to public transport

Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry and tourism operator in the Hauraki Gulf, launched its decarbonisation journey in 2018 aiming for zero tail-pipe emissions. Partnering with Vessev, the company secured a VS-9, the world’s first fully electric hydrofoiling tourism boat, which entered service in early 2025. One year on, Fullers360 is advancing to the larger 18-metre VS-18 for Auckland public transport, proving how innovation and collaboration can turn decarbonisation from ambition into everyday reality on the water.

What's next for April 2026? ✨

This month, we're continuing with stakeholder consultations to advance this game-changing Central Coast initiative.

As a volunteer-led, not-for-profit project, the WaterBUS Initiative relies on community support to keep moving forward. Become a member or stakeholder today and join us in shaping sustainable water transport for the Brisbane Water—your involvement makes a real difference!

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we're turning vision into reality for our local community. 🚀