1. Foreshore Restoration and Stabilisation

• Reclamation of land to address pedestrian access issues erosion
• Construction of foreshore protection works to address erosion
• Mangrove rehabilitation to support estuary health

2. Stormwater and Drainage Management

• Drainage upgrades along Phegans Bay Road and access roads
• Options for a water catchment basin to reduce flooding
• Potential stormwater diversion from Raymond Road

3. Access and Connectivity

• A 350-metre shared path for pedestrians and cyclists
• New access stairway from Central Avenue to the waterfront
• Formalised bushwalking trail to Elaroo Road Reserve

4. Recreational Facilities

• Access steps to the water for recreation and safety
• Bespoke waterfront seating and picnic tables
• Dinghy/kayak launching ramp and vertical storage rack (solution rather than rack?)

5. Public Infrastructure

• Widened public wharf with a lower-level tidal platform/floating pontoon
• Accessible parking near the wharf
• New turning area for buses and service vehicles
• New enclosures for the sewage pumping station

6. Lighting and Safety

• Pedestrian lighting along the shared path and key civic areas
• Lighting designed to minimise light spill and use renewable energy where viable

7. Heritage and Community Values

• Conservation of the Aboriginal midden near the heritage boatshed
• Heritage interpretation strategy including signage and public art
• Retention of the existing public phone booth and historic bus stop

8. Landscaping and Open Space

• Landscape improvements with native shrubs and grasses
• Flood management measures for the community open space
• Design of a detailed landscape masterplan for the area

Between 27 November 2023 and 1 February 2024, Central Coast Council invited the community to share their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations for the Phegans Bay foreshore. This consultation phase was critical in shaping the direction and priorities of the draft Masterplan.

Council’s project team reviewed all feedback and used it to inform the design of the draft Masterplan. While not every individual comment could be addressed, the plan reflects the key themes and priorities raised by the community.

The Hawkesbury Nepean River Coastal Management Program includes an action to implement the Phegans Bay Foreshore Masterplan which means that once the CMP is adopted by Council and certified by the NSW Government then elements of the plan, including foreshore stabilisation/restoration will be eligible for funding via the NSW Coast and Estuary grant program

Preserve the Bay’s Unique Character

• Residents expressed a strong desire to maintain the natural charm and tranquillity of Phegans Bay. Many were concerned about overdevelopment and wanted any changes to be minimal and low-impact.

“It’s important to preserve this distinct appeal as any changes could potentially alter the very essence of our beautiful area.”

• There was widespread concern about the ongoing erosion of the foreshore. Community members called for urgent, long-lasting, and environmentally sensitive solutions.

“Residents are seeking preservation of the foreshore which is eroding at an exponential rate.”

• People supported improved pedestrian access, including a shared path along the foreshore and better links to bushwalking trails. Suggestions included reusing existing sandstone steps and improving access to the water.

“Improve access to the waterfront… provide a path along the foreshore.”

• Views on parking were mixed. Some supported formalising existing informal parking, while others opposed any increase in car spaces, citing concerns about noise and environmental impact.

“We do not need more cars/car spaces down here… it’s a beautiful section that doesn’t require any man-made additions.”

• There were concerns about the safety of the current bus turning area. However, the existing bus stop was widely appreciated for its character and community-built features.

“The existing bus shelter is gorgeous, historic looking and I think perfect.”

• Residents requested better facilities for kayaking and dinghy launching, and suggested avoiding motorised boats due to the shallow waters and sensitive seagrass beds.

“It should mainly be used for tenders and kayaks.”

• There was a desire for more seating and picnic areas, provided they didn’t compromise views or privacy.

“Provide some benches along the foreshore… somewhere to sit and enjoy the view.”

• The community strongly supported retaining the public phone booth and the historic bus stop. There were also calls to protect the Aboriginal midden and include heritage interpretation.

“Love the old blue boathouse… preserve the existing midden.”