Historical boat shed

needs to be salvaged

The Empire Bay Boat Shed is a vital element of the Central Coast’s marine heritage as a symbol of the long history of boat building on the Central Coast. It is in disrepair and needs to be salvaged - it is part of the Coast’s history.

2 August 2023

 

MORE than a century old, and owning the title of the third building ever built in Empire Bay, the important Empire Bay boat shed site has been left neglected by the previous tenants and has continued to decay.

 

It is bitterly disappointing that during the former Liberal Government’s 12 years in power with Adam Crouch as Parliamentary Secretary, they did not take advantage of the opportunity to salvage this historic part of our community.

 

During this time, the previous Government let this site begin to break down and deteriorate.

 

When the NSW Minns Labor Government formed government in March, they inherited the largest debt ever passed on from one government to the next - with debt on track to reach a record $187.5 billion. Incoming briefs have also uncovered a $7 billion black hole of unfunded programs.

 

This blacked has meant the NSW Government has been forced to undertake a line-by-line expenditure review and they have been at pains to ensure they restore fiscal responsibility to the NSW Government benches.

 

Parliamentary Secretary and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch has used the opportunity to work with Minister for Crown Lands, Steve Kamper and with Crown Lands NSW to commit to a more transparent outcome for the community.

 

“Recently I spoke with Minister Kamper about the Empire Bay Boatshed. He understands the historical significance of the boatshed and the environmental and public health impacts it poses,” said Ms Tesch.

 

“Crown Lands has engaged a heritage consultant to document the site and work with the community to salvage part of this historically significant location.

 

“We are concerned about ensuring some historical value can be salvaged.

 

“The boat shed is listed on the Central Coast Local and Environment Plan as an important element of our Brisbane Water marine heritage and our local community deserve proper consultation, including access to heritage reports undertaken. I am glad that Crown Lands has committed to make these reports publicly accessible.”