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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Turn council depot into park

 

According to the Peninsula News, December 3, Mayor Robert Bell was reported to have said that Gosford Council had $28 million "in the bank" for the possible acquisition of 140 different homes in designated areas of the Woy Woy Peninsula.

This statement by Mayor Bell is not correct.

According to the council's own officers, the actual amount "in the kitty" is closer to $4.7 million.

The $28million alluded to by the mayor is actually the projected amount council have estimated they will receive from developers over a 20-year period.

If history is anything to go by, house prices will rise over the next 20 years.

Even if council had the $28 million now, it would not be enough to purchase the 140 affected properties using current market values.

Council needs to rethink their strategy to create land for their own use without affecting families living in established residential areas of the Peninsula.

Maybe developer contributions could be more fairly spent by better utilising reserves council already manages.

Perhaps the council depot located in the heart of Umina on Ocean Beach Rd could be turned into a park for all to enjoy.

Leave our homes and families alone, Gosford Council.

Michelle Cairns, Woy Woy