E-Newsletter #16

Our submission in response to the Draft Central Coast SRITP.

Response to Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan

Brisbane Waters WaterBUS has responded to Transport for NSW’s request for feedback on the Draft Central Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP). The draft plan identified several persistent transport issues, including:

• Over reliance on private vehicles to access essential services and employment opportunities.

• Growing congestion on arterial roads such as the Central Coast Highway.

• Insufficient and inconvenient first and last-mile connectivity between key growth areas and geographically dispersed coastal communities.

• Vulnerability of established road and rail networks to storms, flooding, bushfires, and challenging topography.

Our six-page submission showcased two connected pilot routes that broadly demonstrate the benefits of a zero-emission fast ferry service on the Brisbane Water:

1. Woy Woy <> Gosford Waterfront

2. Woy Woy <> Hardys Bay

and highlighted five key frames for discussion, providing further context to the timely relevance and suitability a zero-emission fast ferry network:

1. Housing growth and congestion

2. Addressing multimodal interchange and parking solutions

3. Accessibility for an aging population

4. Transport oriented development and housing affordability

5. Tourism and connectivity

For those interested in exploring the opportunities of a zero-emission fast ferry network for the Central Coast, our submission can be downloaded from the Library on our website.

View from the lectern at the Umina Peninsula Probos Club.

Probos Club dives into zero-emission ferry discussion

The Umina Peninsula Probos Club enthusiastically received our presentation on a proposed zero-emission fast ferry service for Brisbane Water. Following the talk, members asked insightful questions about topics such as operating within the 4-knot speed limit and multimodal interchange. The club, a vibrant community for retirees, hosts monthly meetings with guest speakers and organises various social activities. We extend our thanks to Megan Smith and the Umina Probos Club for inviting us to speak.

Public space along the Gosford waterfront.

Public domain upgrade for Gosford Waterfront

The NSW Government has engaged the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation to rejuvenate the Gosford Waterfront. They are seeking community feedback through an online survey, open until 17 August 2025. The ongoing study examines pedestrian, cyclist, and car parking patterns to inform short-term improvements and a long-term public domain plan for the area.

Share your input by completing the survey on their website.

What's next for August 2025? ✨

This month we continue to grow publicity around the proposal for a zero-emission fast ferry network for the Brisbane Water.

If you have not already done so, please remember to 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!