Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch has called on Central Coast Council to revisit plans to rezone the land on which Gosford Bowling Club sits, beside Central Coast Stadium.
Council announced plans for the rezone in March, saying the existing RE1 zoning is “a major hindrance” to the potential of the stadium’s further development.
It said the rezone would allow “greater opportunities” within any proposed Masterplan which is defined in a Stadium Implementation Plan adopted last year.
But Tesch said it was vital to save community sporting infrastructure.
She met with club members recently to discuss its importance to the local community and the need to ensure that locals continue to have access to the sporting facilities on site.
“The Bowling Club is a vital part of our community and the camaraderie among its members was so special to see,” Tesch said.
“The Club provides a space for everyone, especially for our older locals who (go there) to socialise, play bowls, and have a good time which is vital considering the ongoing mental health crisis following the impact of extended COVID-19 lockdowns.”
Tesch said Gosford is booming and the need for more recreational sites has never been greater.
“Gosford City Bowling Club is a key component for the future of the adjoining Central Coast Stadium and it would be a shame to see this opportunity missed for members and Coasties alike,” she said.
Tesch said the Club hosts a variety of community and sporting groups such as All Ability Bowling, free activities and tuition for clients of Life Without Barriers, Coastlink, and the House with No Steps.
The Club also works with Vision Australia to provide lessons, games, and interclub competition for local vision-impaired community members.
Central Coast Leagues Club CEO, Ed Camelerri, joined Tesch at the meeting and supports the bowlers’ call to save their club.
“Since the Central Coast Stadium masterplan has come up for discussion, Council Administrator Rik Hart and his predecessor have failed to speak with Club members,” Camelerri said.
“Mr Hart needs to speak to these good-hearted community members who want to see a workable future for their Club.”
For more information on the Central Coast Council’s plan for the Central Coast Stadium visit https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/central-coast-stadium
Source:
Media release, Apr 13
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch
I have lived on the coast since 1984 at North Gosford where we had our family. Have been a member of the Bowling Club for approx 15 year.
I am retired and the Bowling Club gives me a place fo comradship and support in times of need, sorrow as well as enjoyment and purpose in life. Seniors are gradually losing their places of enjoyment for supposed money benefit to the council in selling the Club.the elderly, disabled and the community itself should not lose another sporting site. The Stadium needs more sporting events to make it more profitable, not by reducing opportunities for me as a pensioner to be active, enjoy mateship and to get support in time of need.
There probably would be more seniors lamenting in retirement villages etc with the loss of the bowling club and no other alternative to keep them active. Surely after 40 years + of working and living on the coast paying taxes rates etc a senior should at least be thanked for his/her input by getting support from Council and allowing peaceful opportunities to enjoy their later life which includes lawn bowls.
There are plenty of empty commercial sites and vacant land at and around Gosford CBD. to Get these areas viable and used to help reduce the Councils debts and the bowling club need no longer be in the administrator sights.