Decision deferred on ferry infrastructure

Gosford Council has again deferred any decision on the proposed Fast Ferry wharf and terminal at Ettalong.

It has asked staff to prepare a report about the proposed Ettalong Promenade Development, following a presentation to council on July 26 on the history of the project.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said that at present, an informal, broad presentation had been given to council outlining a proposed "promenade development" at Ettalong Beach.

Mr Wales said that, as yet, no formal submission had been made to the council or the state government as the plan was still under revision.

A presentation was given to council by Mr Wales at a strategy policy workshop held on July 19.

A staff report to the council stated that, since 1995, council had considered on several occasions a ferry service proposal for a third transport corridor (alternate to rail and F3) between the Central Coast and Sydney, approving Fast Ships as the favoured proponent.

Council had granted development consent for the wharf and terminal building and had leased crown land, being the site of the wharf, and had acquired title to the site of the terminal building.

Council had also agreed to the terms of a sub-lease to Fast Ships for the wharf and lease of the terminal building.

It had also agreed to the performance deed that deals with the construction of the infrastructure.

"The project has been delayed because Fast Ships have not secured a vessel to carry out the service," according to the council report.

The director of city services Mr Stephen Glen advised in the report that council was not disadvantaged if Fast Ships could not enter the site before lodgement of a security to Council.

Mr Glen stated, however, that if the lease commenced, there was no guarantee that Fast Ships would commence the works within a reasonable time.

He recommended that "the documents should include a provision that major works must commence within one year, or the lease is to be surrendered if requested by the council."

If it appeared that the programmed works had not commenced within one year of the agreed starting date, council could at its discretion extend the period.

It was also resolved at council's August 2 meeting that a copy of the draft lease, the sublease and the dead of agreement be tabled when the matter was next considered.

Council agenda SF.33, August 2