“Parts of the Memorial Drive area are beautiful, with a smart boardwalk, outdoor sculpture, art and park seating,” Great Lakes Council’s Traffic Engineer, Wade Holmes said.

“There is an opportunity to extend this along the foreshore into areas where priority has been given to car parking in one of Forster’s most beautiful spaces.  Council is looking to create a space that prioritises recreation and pedestrian activity.”

Council has developed a plan that aims to give the foreshore back for people to enjoy, beautifies the surrounding landscape, and provides a unique and gorgeous backdrop to the waterside shopping precinct.

Traffic calming devices are proposed to improve traffic flow around the Forster CBD and parking spaces will be relocated to an expanded car park created in Wallis Street, with 60 spaces provided just a short stroll from the waterside area. 

Some short term parking will remain in the area. Proposals also include the use of parking management systems and increased bicycle parking.

Tree planting and extra green space will create a haven in the CBD and a cycleway will link the existing Little Street cycleway to the Forster Tuncurry bridge, providing walking and cycle access through the twin towns.

The Forster Waterside Renewal Project is on public exhibition until Wednesday March 18 with council eager to hear feedback from everyone.

You can view the plans on council’s website or in person at council’s administration building.