We, the undersigned residents and community members of the Central Coast, strongly oppose the amended proposal for the State Significant Development at 70 John Whiteway Drive, Gosford.

The proposal is over‑scaled, infrastructure‑incompatible, and harmful to the surrounding community and environment. Our objections are outlined below.

 
1. Excessive Scale – From 4–5 Storeys to 13 Storeys 

• The previously approved development was 4–5 storeys. 
• The amended proposal seeks up to 13 storeys, more than doubling the height and density.

Given the site’s elevated position, the upper levels will create premium water views, indicating a profit‑driven expansion, not an affordable housing initiative. This means that there is little to no justification for the severe impact that the scale of these buildings will have on the visual consistency of the area.

 
2. Road Capacity and Traffic Congestion

John Whiteway Drive is narrow and steep, feeding directly into Henry Parry Drive, which is already heavily congested. Adding another high‑density tower will further compromise: 

• Peak‑hour traffic flow
• Emergency vehicle access
• Overall resident safety

A large residential project on the opposite side of the hill, increased traffic volumes. In addition, two major developments on Henry Parry Drive—one near Woolworths and another toward East Gosford—are still under construction, with one sitting unfinished. The cumulative traffic impact of these projects is not being addressed.

3. Lack of Road and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Essential upgrades have not been delivered: 

• No safe pedestrian crossings on Henry Parry Drive 
• No upgrades to Henry Parry Drive traffic control
• No announced upgrades to John Whiteway Drive despite increased density 
• Residents of White Street, Carrol Av, Lushington St, and Frederick Str already struggle to safely join traffic onto Henry Parry Drive during peak hours due to heavy, unregulated flow of vehicles. 

Approving more density without addressing basic access and safety is irresponsible.

 
4. Construction Impacts – Noise, Vibration, and Rock Excavation
The site sits in solid rock, meaning excavation for basements and podium levels will generate prolonged noise from heavy machinery and vibration across the Cappers Gully area. Residents experienced significant disruption during the last major project nearby, both during construction and afterwards from increased residential activity. These impacts should not be repeated or intensified through another high‑density development. 
 
5. Direct Quality of Life Impacts on Nearby Residents

• Construction noise amplified across the gully
• Visual dominance and loss of residential amenity
• Loss of biodiversity, causing native animals to retreat further from our properties as their habitat is disrupted by construction and increased human activity. 

The cumulative impact will be stressful for residents and damaging to the local environment.

 
6. School Capacity and Community Services
A development of this scale will bring many new families, yet no information has been provided about: 

• Which local school will serve these children
• Projected number of school‑aged residents
• Planned expansions
• Safe walking routes 
• Public transport access for students 

Without investment in education infrastructure, the community cannot absorb another influx of residents.

 
7. Environmental Concerns – Encroachment on Rumbalara Reserve
The proposal appears to extend further into the Rumbalara Reserve escarpment, an ecologically rich and sensitive area already impacted by previous developments.

High‑density construction should be directed toward:

• Gosford CBD
• West Gosford
• Areas with existing transport, shops, and other services, away from the bushland of the Coastal Open Space System.  

8. Gosford Is Not Ready for More High‑Density Housing
Before any additional towers are approved, Gosford requires:

• Road upgrades and improved maintenance
• Pedestrian infrastructure
• School investment
• Public transport improvements
• Emergency access planning 

None of these issues are addressed in the consultation materials.

 
Conclusion
This proposal is over‑scaled, profit‑driven, and incompatible with the current infrastructure capacity of Gosford. It will worsen congestion, safety risks, construction impacts, and environmental degradation.

We, the undersigned, call on the NSW Government and Central Coast Council to reject the amended proposal for 70 John Whiteway Drive.