For the last 2 years the General Manager of Coffs Harbour City Council, Stephen Sawtell, the Premiers Department and the Surf Life Saving Association have been undertaking secret talks to secure Boambee Beach as the primary venue for the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in 2010-2012. The Mayor and all councillors were aware of these talks.

$20 million dollars worth of infrastructure has been proposed in a State Park with high conservation value native vegetation, on land of cultural significance to the local indigenous community. The area forms part of a coastal floodplain stretching from Boambee Creek to Corambirra Point that has been recommended as a new reserve by the Regional Alliance for Sustainable Planning(RASP). It currently supports several threatened species including nesting sites for Green & Loggerhead Turtles.

Seven car parks, over two kilometres of bitumen roads, sewerage and water pipes, a railway overpass, roundabout, a caravan park, clubhouse and more all proposed for an area which lies low enough to be at risk from coastal inundation.

The proposed 2 km road on Boambee Beach would connect Howard Street with Jordan Esplanade and, along with other proposed Jetty Foreshore developments, remove the character and social significance of the Jetty to the community.

"Look at the Gold Coast: when you drive to the beach, you pull off from the main road"…Cr Keith Rhoades (SMH 24-09-2007) - discussing his vision for Boambee Beach.

Coffs Council and the Iemma Government have already planned for:

Some of the Boambee Beach Opponents


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