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Open space property plan to be reviewed

Gosford Council will tonight (Tuesday) consider deleting "all references to individual properties for voluntary purchase" in its Peninsula Open Space contribution plan, following opposition to the plan.

If a motion to rescind the council's decision to put the current plan on exhibition is successful, section 149 notices concerning the affected properties would be withdrawn.

Notice of such a motion was given by Cr Chris Holstein, Cr Craig Doyle and Cr Judith Penton.

The move follows two public meetings in the last week.

The first was organised by Liberal candidate for Peats, Cr Debra Wales, on November 24, while the second was convened by Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews, last Saturday, November 30 (after this newspaper's deadline).

A first meeting, held at the Esplanade, Ettalong, attracted about 100 residents concerned about their properties being designated for possible future "open space".

Its purpose was to allow those attending to comment and give their opinion on Gosford Council's proposed Open Space and Recreation Contribution Plan amendment.

The plan effects residents whose property is adjoining the existing Lemon Grove Reserve, Woy Woy swimming pool, the squash centre and homes in Florida Ave and Miami Ave.

Although Cr Wales only invited the residents of The Esplanade and Tenalga Ave, residents from other affected areas also attended.

"It was a tough meeting but I expected this to be the case," Cr Wales said.

"These people are rightfully concerned that council has given little consideration to the effect of this proposal on their rights as property owners.

"I have given a commitment to the people affected that I will oppose the acquisition proposal and, judging from the mood of the residents, there is a clear message for the council to back off.

"It seems ludicrous that this council should be allocating millions of dollars over the next 20 years for property acquisition when we are already struggling to maintain the existing public reserves and open spaces.

"This was clearly evident from the state of the Ettalong Beach foreshore where the public meeting was held.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews said that she was disgusted that the matter was not discussed when it originally went to council on June 25.

"Residents rely on their elected councillors to give attention to each matter before council and to discuss and debate issues that may impact adversely on ratepayers.

"On this occasion, residents have been let down badly by councillors who have not taken the time to read their agenda and take the matter seriously," said Ms Andrews.

Resident Mr Allan Duignan said: "I have lived on the Peninsula for over 50 years and not once has the council got anything right."

He said that, even if the plans were rejected by the council, the value of properties would decrease by at least $100,000 because buyers would be frightened off.

Another resident said: "If the plan goes ahead, the council will pay less than $2000 per square metre, meaning that they will only be paying land value, and the owners will be losing money."

Mayor Cr Robert Bell and Cr Chris Holstein were also present at the meeting and were soon swamped with questions from the assembled crowd, all opposing the plan.

Cr Bell said that the money required to purchase the homes if the plan went ahead, about $28 million, was already in the bank.

The contribution plan document is currently on exhibition for public comment.

It states: "The purpose of this contribution plan is to enable the levying of development contributions for the provision and embellishment of open space and recreation facilities on the Peninsula that will be required as a result of the increased recreational requirements generated by enhanced population in new residential development."

Cr Bell suggested that they go home out of the heat and that the discussion could be continued at a "structured meeting" where he would listen to the public's view.

Later, in a press statement, Cr Bell announced that the council had arranged another public meeting to discuss "the staff proposal to purchase a number of properties over the next 30 years".

He said the community consultative process included a formalised meeting.

"The meeting will be held on Monday, December 9, at 7pm at Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club," said Cr Bell.

"We encourage residents to attend the meeting to hear staff explain the context for the proposal for a scheme to expand the recreational open space on the Peninsula.

"Following the presentation, people are invited to provide input to the discussion, suggest alternatives and present documentation to the meeting," said Cr Bell.

Natalie Rixom, press release, November 25