Advice putting the cart before the horse

The Community Environment Network (CEN) says selling community land is not the best way to solve the Central Coast Council’s financial problems and encourages residents to provide feedback on the proposed list of asset sales before the May 21 deadline.

CEN Executive Member Gary Chestnut said the 27 community land lots offered for sale include plots from Norah Head and Toukley in the north to Ettalong and Umina in the south, and include environmental land, open spaces , bush reserves, community parking lots and other facilities.

“Residents of the coast were told at the start of this period of administration that no environmental assets would be sold and yet this latest list of land sales includes a wetland and bush land,” Chestnut said.

“It includes some of the same community assets that the former Gosford council was forced to withdraw from reclassification in 2015 following a community retreat.

“Community land cannot be sold, the Council has to reclassify it as operational land first, and then it can be sold.

“This first round of consultations is just the start, but it is essential that as many people as possible take the time to give their opinion and explain why they oppose the reclassification of community lands.

“Council recognized that it is legally required to file a development proposal before it can reclassify land from community to operational so that it can be sold and that this process can take between 12 and 18 months.

“The council is also to hold a public hearing convened by an independent facilitator, which will give the community another opportunity to voice their opposition to the reclassification of community lands. “

Chestnut said CEN will support the community’s struggle to protect community lands.

“Selling community land is not the only option, and it is certainly not the best option, to reduce the Council’s debt,” he said.

“The community is right to be disappointed that Council spoke with potential buyers even before asking the community for feedback.

“This is one of many examples of Council putting the cart before the horse during this time of administration.

“The Central Coast Council understands the importance of green spaces to the enjoyment and well-being of the community.

“He also knows that every residential real estate development must have a minimum of green spaces.

“As the population of this region increases and temperatures continue to rise, we will need these green spaces more than ever.

“The community knows this is the case.

“CEN is confident that the community will send a clear message to Council that it must take these 27 community plots off the table and find other solutions to satisfy its commercial lenders. “

Source:
Press release, May 4
Community Environment Network