The Central Coast Branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation has called for more transparency over Council’s plan to demolish the Pelican Park in Woy Woy.
In a media release sent out to its members on July 1, Branch President, Mark Ellis said the Branch had submitted three GIPA (Freedom of Information) requests to Council in relation to the planned demolition.
Ellis said the first GIPA asked for the arborist or horticultural report relating to the taxodium distichium tree which is located next to the playspace.
“This tree has grown in this position for over 40 years, is an excellent specimen tree providing shade in summer and allows the sun to shine through in the winter, as it is a deciduous conifer and is an excellent feature tree,” Ellis said.
The second GIPA was a request for the report declaring the play space in Pelican Park unsafe and any documents relating to that.
The third GIPA asked for a copy of the report in relation to Pelican Park and any community consultation undertaken where the community had requested the park be removed.
Ellis said any decisions made by Council would need to include community consultation and fact-based decisions.
“Both the tree and various versions of the play equipment have lived in harmony for the past 40 years, and both should be retained,” he said.
“The play space on Brick Wharf Road should be maintained with the funds allocated in the Operational Plan.”
Last month, Council confirmed the planned demolition would be put on hold to enable time to further engage with the community around their concerns.
Council said more information and details of the timing for consultation would be released ‘soon’.
Source:
Media release, July 1
Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast Branch