Protect the Rumbalara Ridgeline
from overdevelopment
Preserve Gosford's visual amenity of the natural ridgelines from over height development
Our Mission – Protect the Rumbalara Ridgeline
This proposed development seeks to bypass the Gosford District Control Plan (2018), which provides a maximum building height for the site of 77 metres above sea level. This proposal substantially exceeds that height restriction.
Multiple 12–13 storey towers on the ridgeline are grossly excessive and inappropriate, with significant impacts on:
• The visual character of Rumbalara Reserve, making the ridgeline an eyesore across Gosford, Kariong and the wider Central Coast
• Endangered fauna and flora and their habitat
• Overshadowing, loss of privacy and reduced natural light, with potential damp and mould impacts
• Increased pressure on already limited parking on John Whiteway Drive
• Additional traffic and road safety concerns
• 2–3 years of construction noise and disruption from major earthworks on a steep, narrow site
Our Call to Action
Every unique objection to this proposal means that the plans are likely to be modified by the planning authorities. Opposition to a 2021 development on John Whiteway Drive successfully resulted in the number of units being cut from 260 to 188 and a reduction in building height from 12 storeys to 5-9 storeys – speaking up works!
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Add your contact details at the bottom of this page and/or Join our Facebook group to keep notified of future developments at Preserve the Reserve - Save the Rumbalara Ridgeline - Public Group
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Encourage your family, neighbours and friends to sign up as well
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Submit an objection to the plans when they are lodged on the NSW Planning Portal for public exhibition.
How we can help you?
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Once the final plans are lodged for public exhibition, we can help you prepare a personalised submission. Meet with us to discuss your concerns, or email us with the details of your situation.
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You don't need to know how to write a planning objection. We can help you understand the process and identify the issues that matter to you.
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We'll keep everyone who has signed up through this page or Facebook informed of the dates, times and locations once the plans are lodged.
Together, we can Preserve the Reserve for current and future residents of the Central Coast. Join more than 600 passionate local residents who have already signed the petition opposing this proposal!
About Us
The local flora and fauna we share our Reserve with, need us to stand up for their habitat too.
Who We Are
Preserve the Reserve is a community campaign by residents of Gosford and the Central Coast who care about the Rumbalara ridgeline and the future of our community.
We are local residents, voters, neighbours and ratepayers. We are not affiliated with any political party, developer or commercial interest.
Why We Started
We came together in response to the proposal for multiple overheight towers at 70 John Whiteway Drive, Gosford, on the Rumbalara Ridgeline beside protected bushland and the Coastal Open Space System.
A 3-storey development was previously proposed for this site. The current proposal is for 12–13 storeys and more than 100 metres in height, together with changes to planning controls.
The proposal has been fast-tracked through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway, which has raised concerns about the level of community scrutiny and involvement.
What We Stand For
We support housing that is well-located, well-designed and appropriate to its surroundings.
We are not anti-development. We believe housing is needed — but we also believe development should respect the environment, existing communities and the character of the Central Coast.
We believe the Rumbalara ridgeline is not an appropriate location for 13-storey towers and that the community deserves a meaningful opportunity to understand and respond to what is proposed.
Get Involved
Our campaign is growing because local residents want a say in the future of Gosford.
Whether you live nearby, can see the ridgeline from your home, or simply care about the future of our community — your voice matters.
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Join Us • Stay Informed • Have Your Say
The Development
The proposed developement 70 John Whiteway Drive
Previous DA
Current DA
The Proposed Development
The proposed development would introduce a major new building on the sensitive Rumbalara Ridgeline, immediately adjacent to a biodiversity corridor and the Coastal Open Space System.
The proposal would reach more than 100 metres in height, placing the buildings more than 80 metres above the ridgeline itself and making them highly prominent across Gosford, Kariong and the wider Central Coast.
Its scale and location raise significant concerns about:
• Visual impact on the surrounding landscape
• Environmental impacts on Rumbalara Reserve and adjoining habitat
• Overshadowing, privacy and amenity for neighbouring properties
• Traffic and parking on John Whiteway Drive
• Bushfire and emergency access
• Major excavation and construction impacts
Site & Construction
The site is narrow and steep, with adjoining land falling sharply along the eastern boundary. A development of this scale would require substantial excavation and earthworks, creating potential risks to neighbouring properties, boundaries, retaining structures, drainage and site stability.
Neighbouring Properties
The scale and height of the development could result in significant overshadowing, reduced sunlight and natural airflow, loss of privacy and reduced amenity for properties below the ridgeline. Reduced sunlight and airflow may also worsen existing damp and drying problems during colder months.
Traffic & Parking
John Whiteway Drive already has limited roadside parking and constrained traffic conditions. The development could increase vehicle movements and demand for on-street parking, placing additional pressure on residents, visitors and emergency access. Limited public transport would further increase reliance on private vehicles.
Bushfire Risk
The site is at the top of the ridgeline, close to dense bushland and adjacent to the White Street Fire Trail access. During a major bushfire, increased traffic and congestion could restrict emergency access and impede evacuation
Get in Touch
Feel free to contact us for any inquiries, we welcome media engagement, community engagement, we look forward to hearing from you!