E-Newsletter #20

Headlines

• Vessev unveils VS-9 Skye and scales up for worldwide impact

• Jennifer Neary AM joins Steering Committee

• Central Coast Council joins calls for ferry feasibility study

• Darkinjung & Guringai join WaterBUS consultations

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

Watch the VS-9 hydrofoil smoothly transition from displacement to high-speed foiling mode

Vessev unveils VS-9 Skye and scales up for worldwide impact

New Zealand-based marine innovator Vessev is advancing sustainable water transport with its electric hydrofoiling vessels. The company recently expanded its VS-9 platform with the VS-9 Skye, a fully electric recreational dayboat that uses the same power at 25 knots as at 5 knots for outstanding efficiency. Featuring fully retractable foils for shallow waters and beach access, it offers a smooth, quiet ride, with first deliveries planned for 2027 and reservations now open.

Commercially, Vessev is scaling up in 2026, establishing a production line in Mount Wellington to build vessels every five weeks while preparing for a capital raise to support global growth. Recent milestones include passenger services in Auckland with the VS-9 "Kermadec," tourism operations like New Zealand’s first freshwater electric hydrofoil on Lake Taupō, and international market expansion. In a recent NBR podcast, CEO Eric Laakmann discussed the company's trajectory, innovative in-house VS-Drive propulsion, and potential to become a unicorn through clean tech leadership.

Vessev's hydrofoiling technology delivers 3-5 times better efficiency than traditional boats, enabling zero-emission, low-wake, and quieter operations that unlock new routes for urban mobility and tourism. As the company attends major boat shows and ramps up output, it's poised to transform water transport worldwide with its pioneering "flying" electric vessels.

Discover Vessev — building one of the world's first certified electric hydrofoiling vessels that fly above the waves. Quiet, zero-emission, and ultra-efficient. → https://www.vessev.com

Founding Chair of the NSW Public Education Foundation Jennifer Neary AM

Jennifer Neary AM joins Steering Committee

The WaterBUS Initiative steering committee is delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer Neary AM as a key member, joining Chairperson Emeritus Professor Catherine Bridge. Ms Neary brings extensive expertise in financial risk management, governance, and education advocacy to the project.

A highly respected leader with a diverse career spanning education, government, and business, Ms Neary began as a secondary mathematics teacher in NSW before transitioning into financial risk management roles. She held senior positions at organizations including GIO Australia, where she served as national general manager of the disability insurances division, as well as IAG and PwC, specializing in risk management and knowledge management. In 2020, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to public education through the NSW Public Education Foundation, where she is the Founding Chair.

Ms Neary's strong commitment to ethical governance, risk mitigation, and community advancement perfectly aligns with the initiative’s goal of delivering a sustainable, accessible water transport solution for the Central Coast. Congratulations, Jennifer. We look forward to your invaluable contributions!

Local water transport opportunity makes the front page of Peninsula News

Central Coast Council joins calls for ferry feasibility study

The Peninsula sub-region leads the Central Coast's visitor economy, contributing nearly a quarter of the total, according to the draft Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 currently on exhibition, as reported by Peninsula News. With $309 million in annual visitor spending (24 per cent of the region) from around 931,000 visitors, the Peninsula outperforms others, thanks to its beaches, natural attractions, and coastal lifestyle.

By comparison, The Entrance and Northern Lakes attract more visitors (1.2 million) but generate lower spending at $268 million (21 per cent). These figures highlight the Peninsula's high-value tourism role in supporting local businesses through accommodation, dining, and activities.

The draft plan stresses sustainable growth to balance economic gains with infrastructure and environmental needs. Notably, it calls for a feasibility study into a large and regular ferry service from Gosford to Woy Woy, linking Brisbane Water towns—aligning with opportunities for low-impact public transport to boost accessibility and preserve the area's appeal as a responsible destination.

Indigenous presentation on the Central Coast [Image courtesy of Darkinjung LALC]

Darkinjung & Guringai join WaterBUS consultations

Any proposal for developments such as our proposed electric hydrofoil ferry service needs to include from the beginning the cultural and historical considerations of the traditional owners of the Country in which it would operate. We are pleased to have senior representatives of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Guringai people involved in the consultations to provide input on any aspect they consider relevant.

That could involve anything from appropriate names of vessels to cultural sensitivities of sites and waterways and the locations and impact of wharf construction. The appropriate acknowledgement of traditional owners will be guided by the Indigenous representatives. We aim to operate in a way that is conscious of all Indigenous cultural considerations whilst providing a modern, low impact public transport service.

We warmly welcome Ms. Adina Duncan, CEO of the Darkinjung Land Council and Ms. Tracey Howie, Director of Wannangini Pty Ltd and spokesperson for the Guringai people to involvement in our project and look forward to working closely with them. The Darkinjung and Guringai Peoples both have historical connections to the Country in which Brisbane Water is situated.

What's next for February 2026? ✨

This month, we're ramping up 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 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. 🚀