Plans to revitalise Peat Island were discussed on Tuesday, December 9, with Gosford Council endorsing the preparation of a planning proposal that could see key land in the area rezoned.
If this planning proposal is eventually approved by the NSW Minister for Planning, 18 lots at Mooney Mooney (including Peat Island) would be rezoned, allowing the land to be used for a mix of residential, community, environmental, recreation and employment development. Gosford City’s mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the council was very keen to see the NSW Government owned land rezoned so that the area could be transformed into a modern and dynamic part of the Central Coast. “Most of the land is currently zoned for hospital use, which is clearly outdated and needs to be changed. “The NSW Government’s latest concept plans for the site are very ambitious and exciting. “It envisages improved community and emergency facilities, foreshore access and public recreation spaces as well as a marina and local retail centre, public wharf facilities and more residential housing. “Importantly, it has the potential to deliver a major, long-term boost for the local community and positive fl ow on effects for local jobs, tourism and other investment. “But, making sure this is the best future mix of land uses for the area is something that will need to be looked at closely as part of the planning proposal that now needs to be prepared by council,” he said. The preparation of a planning proposal for this rezoning will include public exhibition. “By allowing this planning proposal to be prepared, council has ensured that the community will have the opportunity to provide formal input into determining the appropriate zones and development for the land,” said mayor Cr McKinna. The Community Environment Network (CEN), however, has condemned the decision. CEN chairman Mr John Asquith said: “This rezoning is an excessive over development of an iconic landscape.” “From Tuggerah to Wahroonga, 100,000 people travel along the freeway daily, and for 80km they are in bushland. “If this rezoning goes ahead an ugly scar will ruin that experience. “This over development involves: loss of public land for private housing; clearing of Tank Hill which will be clearly visible from the freeway; houses, shops and service station in a near pristine area, which adjoins fi ve national parks or nature reserves; people living near Peat Island will need freeway sound barriers to meet ambient noise standards; more sewerage into Hawkesbury from another 450 houses; and loss of views and amenity from the freeway and from adjoining walking tracks and lookouts. “Everyone accepts that something needs to happen at Peat Island and the adjoining lands. “However, development on the western side of the freeway is an issue of national importance due to iconic landscape and as the entry point to Sydney and the Central Coast. “No development should occur on the Tank Hill due to the steepness of the land, good quality vegetation and the need to maintain the aesthetics from the freeway. “On the eastern side of the freeway there is ample other degraded land for development,” said Mr Asquith.
Media release,
10 Dec 2014
Gosford Council media
Media release,
11 Dec 2014
John Asquith, CEN