"Part of the magic": Concern for "front-row" parking spots in draft plan for Crescent Head Foreshore
Residents and visitors of Crescent Head can provide feedback until Monday, July 21.
Ellie Chamberlain
July 14, 2025
Correction: A previous version of this article stated construction was expected to commence in 2025. While the final design is expected to be approved this year, planning will then begin to fund and deliver the designs. According to the council, this "will likely take a considerable number of years."
A draft concept design for Crescent Head Foreshore and Willow Street is ready for feedback, as development ekes into its second year of revision in the face of a vocal local community concerned for their beach-front parking.
The revised plan – including changes to the north-facing car park at Crescent Head’s foreshore overlooking the popular point break – has sparked concerns for some community members.
Currently on public exhibition, the draft plan includes concept designs for playgrounds, a skate and scooter park, shaded picnic areas, beach and creek access, market space, and pedestrian circulation.
A Crescent Head Advisory Group (CHAG) was formed in July 2024 to provide feedback on the initial working draft concept plan late last year – which led to the revision of the plan that is now on exhibition until Monday, July 21.
What does it look like?
In council’s latest update, the proposed green space in the draft foreshore plan is approximately 5,300m2.
There is currently 5,700m2 of green space on the foreshore.
Between the surf club and the amenities is a proposed playground, skatepark and market space. Kempsey Shire Council says this space is almost double the width of the current green space in that area.
In the plan, there are 26 less carparks facing the ocean in the draft plan, with an option to increase this number to 41 according to council.
There’s also a proposed drop-off zone in the plan near the markets and skatepark area. If this were to be used for nose-in parking there would be an additional 13 parking spaces, with a reduction in the width of the green space.
Draft plan for Crescent Head Foreshore. Kempsey Shire Council website.
Draft plan for Willow Street, Crescent Head. Kempsey Shire Council website.
Concern over loss of car parking and Crescent Head culture
Crescent Head resident and member of the Save Crescent Head Point Car Park group, Maria Johnson, said she was concerned about loss of car parking at the foreshore.
“The draft plan proposes too much of a reduction in the premium, front row north-facing car parks,” Johnson told the Mid North Coaster.
“Those front row spots are part of the culture of Crescent head. It’s a gathering space. Part of the magic of Creso.”
Johnson said it’s important the surf can be viewed from parked vehicles on the northern strip to cater for the elderly, less-abled people and parents.
“They pull up and watch the ocean from their cars. Being able to park there provides protection from weather – for parents sitting and supervising their children in the surf, for example.”
Rise in demand for parking
Johnson believes the plan could be amended to maximise parking spaces.
“Overall the plan looks good, but it allows for too much green space in place of car parking,” she said.
“The green space being proposed near the Surf Club is as big as a football field. It could be cut down to retain as much as possible of the front row premium car parks.”
Johnson believes the draft plan doesn’t cater for future visitation and rise in parking demand.
Construction expected to take years
Once the plans are finalised with the community and community advisory group, they will be reported to a council meeting for final approval. Only then will planning for funding and delivery begin – of which will likely be reliant on grant funding and may occur in stages, so will likely take a considerable number of years.
How to provide feedback
Community members can provide feedback via an online survey, or in writing to Kempsey Shire Council.
Submissions can be uploaded as an attachment online, or emailed to [email protected], handed in at Customer Service, or mailed to:
The General Manager
Kempsey Shire Council
PO Box 3078
West Kempsey NSW 2440
Feedback and submission are being accepted by council until close of business on Monday, July 21 2025.
➡️ To view the detailed plans visit: Crescent Head Draft Concept Plans.