An overhaul of Wollongong Harbour has come to an abrupt halt because the former state government forgot to ask developers if they wanted to revamp the precinct.
Last year, Wollongong MP Noreen Hay and then planning minister Tony Kelly announced an expressions of interest process would be launched to pave the way for new buildings, moorings and pontoons.
But the promise was never followed through and a revival of the state heritage-listed harbour has fallen off the planning radar.
Opponents of earlier controversial bids for redevelopment of the site say a future makeover should still be considered, provided it doesn't go too far.
"As it is, the harbour is a jewel, an attraction for the region, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it," Reclaim Our City spokesman Arthur Rorris said.
"But I do think it could do with some sympathetic, measured improvements on what is already there but that does not mean going for the Luna Park option, which nobody would support."
Last February's expression of interest promise followed a community backlash against six development proposals being considered by the NSW Department of Lands behind closed doors.
Those proposals were eventually dumped and new guidelines were later released recommending the demolition of the co-op building and construction of new ones in certain areas, including the central pier.
But the failure by the former government to instruct public servants to call for expressions of interest means the harbour remains in development limbo.
"At this time, the department has not made a decision on the timing of any future call for expressions of interest," a Department of Primary Industries spokesman said.
Ms Hay said she was disappointed a makeover had stalled.
"You would imagine it [expressions of interest] could have been done fairly swiftly but I'm not pointing the finger of blame," she said.
"Ultimately, we went into caretaker mode and history will show we didn't win that election.
"But it has always been my position that whole harbour area needs a more fresher look and I would hope the Government takes another look at it."
Mr Rorris questioned the motivations of the former government's interest in the harbour.
"There was an expectation for departments to generate income and they were looking at every opportunity to identify cash cows," he said.
"I think there may have been a view the harbour could be an opportunity to raise some money.
"But the voices of the people are stronger than that and I think there is a consensus in the community that this is one part of the region that needs to be preserved."
National Trust Illawarra-Shoalhaven branch chair Meredith Hutton said care and maintenance were needed to boost the precinct's role as a working harbour.
She also backed a demolition of the co-op building.
"It was a great shame that particular design was accepted in the first place and I feel it still hasn't really altered in terms of being out of scale and out of style for that location," she said.
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