Central Coast Council will put the contentious issue of the proposed reclassification of Austin Butler Reserve at Woy Woy from community to operational land back out for more public consultation.
A proposal to reclassify the land to facilitate the expansion of the adjacent Peninsula Plaza shopping centre has sparked the ire of environmental groups and a community campaign of opposition spearheaded by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.
Council Administrator Rik Hart decided at Council’s August 22 meeting to put the matter back out for more consultation, with residents to be given two options.
The first option would see the land reclassified to allow for the shopping centre expansion, with proceeds of any sale of the land to go towards a major greening program on the Peninsula.
The second option would be for the land to retain its community land classification.
The shopping centre owner and major tenant, Woolworths, have expressed concerns about the viability of future operations in relation to current arrangements for the loading dock, with Woolies saying it will not reinvest in expansion unless the problem can be solved.
“This land is currently occupied by around 40 trees, some of which would need to be removed to mitigate these risks (and would be subject to a separate development assessment process),” Hart said.
He said he had received 28 emails on the issue in the 24 hours prior to the meeting, with 65 per cent of correspondents saying their major concern was around climate change and heat island impacts.
“I have heard from dozens of community members about the importance of the trees on this site, and more broadly, about the lack of mature shade trees throughout Woy Woy and the peninsula,” Hart said.
He said a greening program funded by any proceeds from sale of the land could see thousands of trees planted in streets around the area.
“The community needs to decide if it wants to sacrifice 30-40 trees (at Austin Butler Reserve) for thousands of trees,” he said.
“I would ask everyone to consider how future generations will view the decision made.”
Hart said he would be guided by public feedback.
“Considering the value of this land is in the millions of dollars, the resultant greening program (delivering thousands of trees) would be fully funded and could deliver a significant, long-term, and meaningful boost to canopy cover, shade, and mature trees in the local area,” he said.
“A greening program would go a very long way to offsetting the heat impacts associated with reduced tree canopy and climate change.
“In short, the proposal is to sacrifice a few dozen mature trees now, for the benefit of thousands of trees planted in the area over the next 10 years which would provide a substantial benefit for future generations.
“I encourage the community to think about the short and long-term impacts of each option before having their say.
“This is a chance for the community to have a measurable impact on the future of their area.”
But Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says the move is an attempt to “blackmail” the Peninsula community.
“Council has already identified the Peninsula as the area of greatest heat impact on the Coast,” she said.
“Council already has a responsibility to re-green the area.
“Planting trees on the Peninsula should not rely on the sale of a public park.
Liesl Tesch MP
“The community has already made it very clear they want to retain Austin Butler Reserve.”
Tesch said Council should be providing more support and communication for groups such as GUST in seeing more trees planted in the area.
She is urging community members to continue the fight to protect the significant stand of paperbark and she oak trees in Austin Butler Reserve.
“The Peninsula’s environmental problems are already well documented, as is ongoing tree loss due to development and issues such as the urban heat island effect,” she said.
“We need to continue working together as a community…to oppose the possible removal of this unique stand of trees – one of a dwindling number on the Peninsula.”
Tesch’s Save Our Austin Butler Trees petition can be found at https://www.liesltesch.com.au/community/petitions/petitions/
The petition can be signed in person at Tesch’s office at 20 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.
Save Central Coast Reserves founder Sue Chidgey said a huge diversity of bird life depends on the dozens of mature trees within the reserve.
“These trees also provide an important place for local shopping centre workers to recharge in their breaks within nature,” she said.
“The Council’s plan to sell this reserve directly to the shopping centre for its development is against the core principles of protecting and maintaining community assets for the current and future well-being of residents and the vital importance of cherishing our local environment of both flora and fauna.”
The Community Environment Network has described the proposal to reclassify the land as “massive breach of the community’s trust”, saying its stand of paperbark and she oak is the last natural shade in the town centre.
CEN Executive Member, Joy Cooper, said Peninsula Plaza has had more than 30 years to fix its loading dock.
“It is not up to Central Coast Council to provide Woolworths with a cheap solution,” she said.
Terry Collins
The presumption of Woolworths in thinking it’s a fair, right move to destroy the area so they can expand. The hide of them. Let them move. The Peninsular Plaza can accommodate other stores, which in my opinion would greatly enhance the area. How about Woolworths redevelop and move to the site of the Leagues Club which is sitting vacant and has been for some time. It has 2 street access, a lot of parking and plenty of room to house a supermarket and anything else they may wish to do with the building if they are prepared to spend the money. It sits well within the shopping precinct. Woolworths current location is a nightmare for traffic entering and exiting the carpark. Moving it would be a step in the right direction for the shopping center and I think Woolworths would have enough money to make such a move. Hands off Austin Butler Reserve. More consultation on this proposal is a must.