Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores Plan of Management - Land - NSW ...

The foreshores and Happy Valley (and upstream to Englands Park and the Showground) is a
long time camp site, resting and recreation place beside Coffs Creek and once a place of
gathering for the Muttonbird season.
There is an opportunity to recognise Aboriginal culture and interests through development,
particularly the theme of healing, where it incorporates Aboriginal lore in the design of structures,
signage, interpretive materials and public art. Recognition of Aboriginal names through dual
naming of places is a current program of local Aboriginal groups
Training and employment opportunities are critical issues of concern to the Aboriginal community.
They have expressed their desire that a cultural centre and gallery be built within the Jetty
Foreshores Precinct. This could stand alone or be incorporated into a larger development. On
going consultation with the Aboriginal community is necessary to define and refine these ideas.
Socially today the Jetty Foreshore has become a destination for visitation given the harbour and
ocean views and the easy public access to Muttonbird Island, sheltered beaches and parkland.
The fishing fleet and recreational fishing, sailing and the Solitary Islands Marine Park all draw high
visitation by local residents and tourists. Numerous water based sporting clubs have based their
activities from the Yacht Club adjoining the sheltered northern corner of Jetty Beach. Together
these uses and activities generate high activity by people of all ages and abilities. The retention of
these values and opportunities is paramount in any future redevelopment projects.
2.2.4 Environmental
Core environmental values include water quality, foredune vegetation and other natural vegetation
communities, visual amenity, ecology of the shearwater colony on Muttonbird Island and locally
occurring threatened species, the open space and recreational settings and public health and
safety. The adjoining Solitary Islands Marine Park is evidence of the unique marine environment.
In this context future management must be responsive as follows:
Site contamination: The former industrial uses of the lands adjoining the railway have generated a
potential risk of land contamination. Contamination of the inner harbour adjoining the slipway is
also a risk. Contamination assessment and remediation measures would be triggered through
future development approval processes.
Native vegetation management: requiring on going weed management and specialised
revegetation techniques particularly in the vicinity of Happy Valley, Corambirra Point, Fergusons
Cottage, Dung Hill / Lot 205) and the dunal restoration area behind Jetty Beach.
Ecological value: The ecology of the shearwater (Mutton bird) population must be considered
particularly in respect of light pollution. Noise and light pollution may also affect fish movements in
the harbour. Connectivity of habitat through the foreshores area to join Coffs Creek, Boambee
Beach and Beacon Hill bushland is desirable. Known threatened aquatic species in the harbour
include the black cod and a sea grass (marine brown alga)
Water quality: The harbour provides a fishery resource for beach hauling and recreational fishing
which is indicative of good water quality. Recreational swimming along the sheltered Jetty beach is
a valued activity. Fish are visible throughout the inner harbour also indicating good water quality.
Environmental management systems to control and manage risks of water contamination from
boating and maritime activities is required. Increased compliance activity would ensure proper use
of the existing pump out facility. Extension of the sewer to join the public toilets in Jordan
Esplanade is desirable.
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