Central Coast Council has formally abandoned any plans to sell the Woy Woy commuter carpark to new owner of Deepwater Plaza, Raptis Investments, following a huge community outcry led be Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.
Administrator Rik Hart had resolved in February for Council to enter negotiations to sell the carpark to Raptis (which it leases to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for $1 a year until 2065) but when the community rallied to protest, negotiations were put on hold in early March until after the March 25 State election.
At the April 26 meeting, Hart resolved not to proceed with any sale to a private party and opted instead to continue to negotiate with Transport for NSW to take over the carpark.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch welcomed the decision, noting the need for adequate consultation and consideration of local interests in any prospective sale.
“We welcome the fact the commuter carpark has been taken off the market,” she said.
“Over one thousand signatures on my community petition made it abundantly clear the community does not want to privatise the carpark.
“It is also clear that the community must be consulted on matters that would significantly impact the accessibility and practicality of living in the area.
“Council also acknowledged TfNSW’s interest in purchasing the carpark was insufficiently canvassed.”
She has asked Council to provide the necessary information to TfNSW so this avenue may be adequately investigated.
“Council needs to ensure (it) will lock in a long-term contract,” she said.
Council’s meeting agenda acknowledged Woy Woy as “one of the premier destinations for shopping and commerce on the Central Coast and as an important transport hub for both commuters and visitors”.
Hart said while there might have been “some financial and strategic advantages” in selling the carpark, it had become clear there was “a considerable level of concern in the local community about what is seen as inadequate consultation with both residents and business operators as to the potential benefits of such an arrangement”.
Concern remains that Council has decided to continue to negotiate the sale of its option to buy 220 spots in the plaza carpark in December, 2032, for a peppercorn fee of $1.
“The community expresses disappointment that the Council is privatising the shopper carpark and has made it very clear they do not want any part of our community carpark privatised,” Tesch said.
While Council has made assurances that any option sale would ensure that the use of the carpark would remain free of charge until December 2032, there are concerns that shoppers might be charged to park after that time.
Terry Collins