E-Newsletter #21

Headlines

• Briefing with Minister for the Central Coast

• Melissa Marshall joins Steering Committee

• Welcoming new WaterBUS stakeholders

• Gosford's transformation: WaterBUS complements key developments

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

Julie Watson, John McKenzie AM, Hon. David Harris MP, Sasha Kanthan

Briefing with Minister for the Central Coast

On 30 January, members of the WaterBUS Initiative steering committee met with the Minister for the Central Coast, Hon. David Harris MP, to provide a detailed briefing on the project's exciting progress. The productive discussion explored pressing transport challenges on the Central Coast and highlighted the transformative potential of water-based transport solutions to ease congestion and improve connectivity.

Key priorities moving forward include securing funding for a comprehensive transport feasibility study and organising the inaugural WaterBUS Summit - an industry-leading event designed to unite stakeholders, showcase cutting-edge electric hydrofoil technology, and position the Central Coast as a hub for sustainable innovation on the international stage.

The meeting received positive local coverage from Coast Community News - read the full article here. With strong momentum building, the WaterBUS Initiative continues to advocate for innovative, eco-friendly transport options that could redefine mobility for our region.

Member of the Regional Advisory Council with Business NSW, Melissa Marshall

Melissa Marshall joins Steering Committee

The WaterBUS Initiative steering committee is delighted to announce the appointment of Melissa Marshall as a key member, joining Chairperson Emeritus Professor Catherine Bridge in advancing sustainable water transport on the Central Coast.

As Director of Signarama Tuggerah since acquiring the business in 2019, Melissa has grown it into the region's largest signage provider, emphasising sustainable printing, innovation, and eco-friendly practices. Her leadership earned two prestigious awards at the Business NSW Central Coast Awards: Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Sustainability—propelling the company to represent the region at state level.

Melissa is also a member of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) for the Central Coast with Business NSW, where she advocates for local business growth, fosters collaboration between industry, government, and communities, and drives regional economic development. Her proven dedication to sustainability, collaboration, and regional progress aligns seamlessly with the WaterBUS Initiative's vision of delivering fast, clean, affordable, and accessible water transport. Congratulations, Melissa—we look forward to your valuable contributions and leadership!

Welcoming new WaterBUS stakeholders

The WaterBUS Initiative is thrilled to welcome four outstanding new stakeholders to our growing community: Drifters Wharf, Aubrey Brown Lawyers, Spark Panel Discussions, and Signarama Tuggerah. These local leaders bring valuable expertise, community ties, and enthusiasm to help advance our vision of a fast, clean, and affordable high-speed waterborne passenger transport network on Brisbane Water, connecting Woy Woy, Hardys Bay, and other areas to Gosford's vibrant foreshore and CBD.

• Drifters Wharf: Gosford's premier waterfront venue, renowned for its live entertainment, dining, and events right on the Brisbane Water — will enhance vibrancy for passengers arriving by WaterBUS.

• Aubrey Brown Lawyers: A trusted Central Coast firm with over 80 years of service, offering expert legal support in family, property, and more from their Tuggerah and Erina offices — providing essential guidance as we navigate project milestones.

• Spark Panel Discussions: Creators of impactful filmed panel discussions that turn expertise into visible authority — ready to spark conversations, build awareness, and showcase the transformative potential of WaterBUS.

• Signarama Tuggerah: The Central Coast's go-to experts in custom signage, banners, and vehicle wraps — helping us elevate visibility through professional branding and promotion.

Your support strengthens our not-for-profit mission to reduce congestion, boost sustainable transport, and unlock Gosford's potential as the region's strategic hub. Together, we're making water the essence of connected, livable communities on the Central Coast. A warm welcome aboard - we look forward to collaborating and achieving great things!

University of Newcastle's new Gosford Campus [Image courtesy of HCCDC]

Gosford's transformation: WaterBUS complements key developments

Gosford is emerging as the Central Coast's primary strategic centre, with major developments driving growth amid a projected regional population increase of over 57,000 residents by 2041.

• The University of Newcastle's new Gosford Central campus (opened 2026), a $63.8 million facility serving more than 1,300 students and supporting ongoing jobs in education and health innovation.

• The $375 million Archibald precinct, featuring voco Gosford hotel with 323 apartments and 130 hotel rooms, boosting housing, tourism, and vibrancy.

• High-speed rail progress, with $659.6 million total funding (including a recent $230 million commitment), seven major tenders released in early March 2026, and a two-year detailed design phase aiming for shovel-ready status by late 2028. This will reduce Sydney travel time to about 30 minutes, with Gosford as a key stop.

The WaterBUS initiative complements these by providing fast, congestion-free waterborne transport along the Brisbane Water. High-frequency ferries would deliver 15–20 minute trips from wharves like Woy Woy and Hardys Bay to the Gosford waterfront, improving access to the university precinct, rail terminus, and new residential areas.

This reduces car dependency for students, commuters, and visitors, turns foreshores into multimodal interchanges, supports higher-density living in infill areas, minimises road congestion and environmental impact, and promotes equitable access during rapid growth.

What's next for March 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. 🚀