E-Newsletter #12

Björn Antonsson, Sasha Kanthan, Gustav Hasselskog at the Everything Electric Show in Sydney

Candela’s vision for electric hydrofoils: A milestone visit to Australia

We attended the Everything Electric Show at Olympic Park on 7 March to meet Candela’s APAC CEO, Björn Antonsson, and were honoured to be introduced to Candela’s Founder and CEO, Gustav Hasselskog, on his first visit to Australia to promote electric hydrofoil technology. We discussed some of the logistical challenges posed by Australian waterways, and Mr Hasselskog, who founded Candela in 2014, reflected on the resilience required to drive meaningful change. Candela is now the global leader in electric passenger hydrofoils and was recently included in Fast Company’s ⧉ Most Innovative Companies list for 2025.

We look forward to Candela’s return visit to Australia later this year. The following short video profiles their amazing journey.

To learn more about Candela and their pioneering work, visit their website at Candela ⧉.

Attendees at the third public waterbus Q&A session at Woy Woy Library

Vessev CEO joins public waterbus Q&A session

Our third public Q&A session was held at Woy Woy Library last month and received constructive feedback from attendees. The event featured Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann, who travelled from New Zealand for a series of engagements. As one of only two manufacturers worldwide with electric hydrofoils already in commercial service, Vessev’s insights were particularly valuable.

The event also received coverage in print and online by Coast Community News ⧉, the Central Coast's largest regional newspaper.

Thank you to Adam Evans, Julian Bowker, Adrian Parle, Eric Laakmann, and our attendees for making the event a success. A special thank you to Julie Watson of SPARK Panel Discussions ⧉.

voco hotel in the Gosford CBD nearing completion

Gosford’s development surge: growth, jobs, and investment

The number of large-scale residential and retail infrastructure projects in Gosford City has increased in recent months, with the Construction sector now becoming the second-largest employer by industry on the NSW Central Coast—overtaking Retail Trade and trailing only Healthcare and Social Assistance [Source: Informed decisions ⧉]. The waterfront city is undergoing significant urban renewal and revitalisation, with four major residential construction projects representing more than $1 billion in private investment currently in progress. These include:

• Archibald by ALAND – 327 residences and the 130-room voco hotel (nearing completion) at 108 Donnison Street.

• Central Coast Quarter by Urban Property – 196 residences at 26-30 Mann Street.

• Amalfi by ALAND – 506 residences and 9,530m² of retail space at 50-70 Mann Street.

• The Grand by Ace Property Development Group – 123 residences at 27-37 Mann Street.

[Source: Central Coast Business Review ⧉]

With increasing road traffic congestion, limited car parking space, and rising energy costs, we anticipate a surge in public and private investment in local transport infrastructure—focusing on housing affordability, job containment, and regional tourism. This shift presents numerous opportunities for local community groups and businesses to get involved early, collaborate, and contribute to the region’s future success.

What's next for April 2025? ✨

This month, we continue working on building and consolidating our local team.

If you have not already done so, please remember to subscribe to our e-newsletter and share details of the waterbus project with family, friends, and colleagues.

Thank you for your continued support of the Brisbane Waters WaterBUS initiative. Together, we’re creating meaningful change for our community!