Former Gosford City Bowling Club President Guy Robins has described Central Coast Council’s plan to reclassify the land on which the club sits as “arrogant”.
The Council intends to reclassify the land from community to operational to make way for future developmental uses of the site.
But Robins says Administrator Rik Hart has no right to make decisions regarding public land.
“This man is unelected and does not represent anyone other than himself,” he said.
“This should be clearly a matter for a new Council elected at the next elections (where) all ratepayers can have a say.
“Clearly the administrator has no understanding that the land he refers to was originally the property of the bowling club and given to Council.
“It is interesting to note most of this information seems to have been lost in Council records, but former bowling club historians no longer with us have it well documented.
“The claim that the site the bowling club is on was purchased by Erina Shire Council from the Railways in 1936 is the first I have ever heard of this, having looked at Council records as best one can.
“I never heard of any of that from the old members.
“Bowling club members around about that time purchased houses on the western side of Dane Dr to establish the number one green and later gave it to Council.
“The northern carpark and a section of the greens are currently owned by the Central Coast Leagues Club, which pays rates.
“The other land the greens are on (which was given to Council) is leased back from Council by the club.”
Robins criticised plans to “get rid of all open space land around the Gosford CBD and the waterfront”.
“Most progressive councils over the past number of decades are about a balance of development and open spaces for all the community to enjoy,” he said.
“There is absolutely no reason to get rid of the bowling club used by retirees and schoolchildren for sport during the week, and by everyone on weekends.
“The club also caters to community groups who just wish to do something different (barefoot bowls) and a large vibrant disadvantaged group which doesn’t deserve to be cast aside as seems to be the objective.
“The sooner we have an elected Council that represents community attitudes the better.”
Rik Hart should be run out of Gosford as soon as possible.
Since he has come to Gosford our council and water rates have gone through the roof and what do we get for having this over paid nightmare?
Same thing happened to morisset golf club land was donated from the government
What a shocking plan to take away more outside enjoyment from the people. The plan seems to be take all open areas from local area and replace with tall buildings. Some people must be making a fortune from this and obviously have no empathy for the people who need these areas for enjoyment.
Well said Guy.The natural beauty of Gosford is being rapidly blotted out. No one will want to live here. We need an elected council to represent the residents. May that happen soon before it is all to late. Plan something beautiful and unique don’t repeat the faults
of Sydney.
Mr Robins is correct, progressive councils are ensuring open spaces are maintained for the community not rezoned for potential commercial advantage.
With council elections due in the near future Mr Hart should be operating in “care taker” mode and leaving these decisions to elected officials.
Community needs spaces for various recreation, sports craft music, festival activities, people need to b involved to ensure a positive community for all
The development of residential units in Gosford should be slowed. Heritage sites should remain. Better resources are needed for those already in area. Leave Gosford bowling club as is, it’s a wonderful place for people to come together. Use sites at Nth Gosford which are already vacant.
Follow the money
the land should remain with the bowling club
Central Coast council is a walking track for development, companys, mining companys and anyone else who wants to gain quick cash at the expense of the ecologically of the Coast. Take a look around Sparks Rd Warnervale. Back roads destroyed, residents having drainage run into their property, its a disgrace, i have no idea how some people sleep.
Disgusting news ,leave it how it is, grrrrr
All to derive high immigration . you keep voting them in, that’s the problem
just leave the bowling club alone, many young & older ones enjoy the activity & friendship formed over many years,land space already taken when stadium was built we don’t need any more high rise in Gosford.
I felt sad today seeing that the Fountain has gone from near Kibble Park. I’m feeling more and more a stranger in my beloved Central Coast. Places I took my Children I can no longer show to my Grandchildren. We did all get to go to Monty’s on the Waterfront thankfully before it Sold to Developers (Mr Singleton).Our Beautiful Central Coast is being overdeveloped.The roads will not cope with even more people moving here.Public Transport Desperately needs an Overdue update.We need more Transport for Visitors and Locals to be able to move around the Coast, and it will take Cars off the road too.We need a much bigger Shopping Centre like Westfield in Gosford with Cinemas having the Railway Station close by makes it easier to access than having to jump on a Bus to get to Erina Fair.
The Central Coast needs to Serve Locals and Visitors alike.
Puting up Residential Housing only serves those who can afford them.
What are we offering people in the way of Entertainment, Arts, Theatre, Dining, Children’s Entertainment, Youth Interests apart from the Beaches.
If you want to Develop Our Central Coast well think of Everyone not just those with the Deeper Pockets.
And keep your “Hands Off” Gosford Bowling Club!
Gosford bowling club is just the start I have no doubt other clubs will be targeted.
Ratepayers need to elect future councilers who will not rezone our beloved bowling clubs for quick profits and to balance their budgets.