Octave Acoustics was engaged to undertake environmental noise investigations and prepare a comprehensive noise impact assessment to support the environmental assessment for Central Coast Council’s Gosford Waterfront Revitalisation Master Plan.

The revitalisation of the Gosford Waterfront is intended to deliver a vibrant mixed‑use precinct incorporating arts, conference and event facilities, indoor and outdoor dining, residential, retail and commercial office uses, a hotel, ferry wharf, improved public connectivity and access to the waterfront, and integration with the adjacent stadium, redeveloped Olympic swimming pool and surrounding public domain.

The Gosford Waterfront Precinct comprises three key areas: the waterfront, the urban domain and the stadium precinct. The evolving Master Plan establishes short‑, medium‑ and long‑term development stages as outlined below.

Short‑term plan

• Redevelopment of the existing Gosford Olympic Swimming Pool, including the addition of small‑scale retail buildings adjacent to the pool.
• Extension of the wharf to accommodate a new ferry terminal, together with new marina berths at the Gosford Sailing Club.
• Extension and upgrade of footpaths and boardwalks.
• Shoreline works and the introduction of naturalised stormwater channels.

Medium‑term plan

• Development of three to four multi‑storey buildings along the waterfront west of Drifters Wharf, incorporating residential, hotel, retail and commercial uses.
• A mixed‑use development north of the stadium, including a multi‑storey car park, ground‑level retail and residential apartments above.

Long‑term plan

• Construction of two residential buildings on the waterfront east of the rail corridor.
• Land reclamation works along sections of the waterfront.

The primary objective of the acoustic study was to demonstrate how the proposed mix of land uses could be delivered in a manner that ensures resulting noise impacts arising from traffic, rail, ferry operations, stadium events and general commercial activity would comply with the applicable environmental controls. Key activities undertaken by Octave Acoustics included:

• Extensive short and long term monitoring of existing ambient environmental noise throughout the study area.
• Three‑dimensional computer noise modelling of key sources including the stadium, rail corridor, local roads and ferry movements.
• Assessment of potential noise impacts associated with new development interfaces and land‑use adjacencies.
• Coordination with Council and the wider multidisciplinary project team to identify potential adverse outcomes and refine the Master Plan to minimise future noise impacts.