In 2011, the ex-HMAS Adelaide II was scuttled to the ocean floor 1.8km off the coast between Terrigal and Avoca to become an artificial reef and dive site, which has since attracted military historians and recreational divers to the area.
The mast from the Ex HMAS Adelaide was gifted to the former Gosford City Council by the State Government. The mast is intended to be used as part of a monument in honour of the many who have sailed on the HMAS Adelaide II, in recognition of the Royal Australian Navy and as a visual marker for the ship’s position on the ocean floor.
The NSW Government has committed funding of the installation with a $66,000 grant from the Stronger Communities Fund (round 2), with an additional $3,000 provided by the Minister’s Discretionary fund (FY2015-16). Council is submitting the development application and will be responsible for project management and ongoing maintenance.
The proposed site of the monument is “Broken Head” headland southern cliff top (above the dog leash area), designed as part of an environmentally sensitive viewing platform, with accessible pathway connections.
To find out more and have your say on the proposed Ex-HMAS Adelaide Monument the community were invited to:
- View Development Application Plans for the Ex-HMAS Adelaide Monument
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions available below
- Provide feedback via the Online Submission Form (now closed)
- Send a submission to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au (now closed)
- View the engagement summary
Submissions and feedback were accepted between 9 November and 7 December 2020.
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Development Application Plan
Consultation Results
Frequently asked questions
Why is a monument for Ex-HMAS Adelaide II being proposed
The mast from the Ex-HMAS Adelaide was gifted to the former Gosford City Council in 2011 by the State Government. The since restored mast is intended to be used as part of a monument in honour of the many service men and women who have sailed on the HMAS Adelaide II, in recognition of the Royal Australian Navy and as a visual marker for the ship’s position on the ocean floor.
Who will pay for the installation of the monument?
The NSW Government has committed funding of the installation with a $66,000 grant from the Stronger Communities Fund (round 2), with an additional $3,000 provided by the Minister’s Discretionary fund (FY2015-16).
Will further funding be required to deliver the project ?
Council will seek funding for the installation of the access path as part of future project work.
Who will maintain the monument if it is installed?
Council is submitting the Development Application and will be responsible for the project management and ongoing maintenance
Why is a Development Application (DA) required?
The site of the proposed mast installation is in a public area and under current legislation a development of this type requires a development application to assess its compliance with current local and state plans such as the Plan of Management, the Gosford LEP, and SEPP (Coastal Management) 2018.
What is the process for the assessment of this Development Application and who will be assessing and approving it?
Council will submit a DA for this development on behalf of the community group. The Development Application will be determined by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel (CCLPP) - an independent panel of qualified people to review and determine development applications for the Central Coast Local Government Area.
Why is Council submitting this DA?
In 2015 the former Gosford Council CEO agreed to project manage the installation of the mast on behalf of a community group. The project is supported by Adam Crouch and funded by the NSW State Govt. At a meeting on 14 May 2018 Council resolved:
“That Council request the Acting Chief Executive Officer install the mast from the HMAS Adelaide II at Site 1 identified in the attached photograph.”
When was the first development application put in and why was it withdrawn?
The initial DA was withdrawn as independent visual and access assessments did not support the project. Based on the visual assessment the proposal was considered inconsistent with the PoM. The proposal is also not consistent with the SEPP (Coastal Management) 2018 due to adverse impacts on the visual amenity and scenic qualities of the coast and headlands. The proposal is not compliant with the Gosford LEP as it is inconsistent with the desired future character of the locality
Why was Site 1 selected for the memorial?
The mast is proposed as a visual marker for the ship which currently lies on the ocean floor as a dive site and artificial reef off the coast of Terrigal/Avoca beach. The proposed location is close to the Marine Rescue Centre and has direct view of the buoys over the site of the Ex-HMAS Adelaide.
Will the monument be accessible?
Yes the monument will be accessible as a future access path has been designed.
What is the size of the mast?
The ex-HMAS Adelaide II mast is 7.4 metres in length and 450mm in diameter.
How can I have my say on the Ex-HMAS Adelaide memorial?
Submissions will be accepted until 5pm on Monday 7 December via the online submission form.