From the final report:
"At altitudes less than 1,000 ft along a track between the aircraft’s position and Coffs Harbour Airport and more significantly, along a continuation of the direct track to Taree,
terrain clearance was not possible. However, the pilot did not voice any concerns
with the advice provided and the flight descended on the direct track to Taree." (my emphasis)
Quite interesting.
Is the inclusion of the following a deference to this thread?
"Future Coffs Harbour airspace reclassification
Prior to the accident, Airservices commenced the
Airspace Modernisation Program. This program will reclassify the Class C airspace above Coffs Harbour to Class E. At the time of writing, the timeframe for the completion of this program was not available.
Undertaking a VFR transit of the Class E airspace will not require a clearance."