Has anything changed in 17 years?
The Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy was adopted by Gosford Council after extensive consultation which took place in 2004.
Consultant Mr Brett Newbold held a workshop with with "Business and Development Industry representatives" on June 15 that year.
The following comment is recorded in the notes from that meeting reproduced in the appendices of the consultants' report: "The property industry recognises that a degree of tension with established residents has been a consequence of that growth (population) over recent years."
The "Resident Groups" workshop days later on June 17 noted "the perceived failure by Council to assess development proposals according to the provisions of the character statements that were produced after extensive consultation".
This is significant as the opinions are expressed two days apart.
Has the Council addressed residents concerns or has it favoured the business and development industry?
This year residents have again gathered to repeat the same resident opinions and observations from 2004 with the sale of vital Peninsula character features which enhance quality of life and health.
What does it take to accept the obvious? :
Public community consultation proved to be a public relations exercise and has carriied on similarly for 17 years.
The amalgamation public inquiry should focus on the rejection of public comment to favour the interests of the council,
The sale of Council assets should be included in the public inquiry.
SOURCE:
Letter, 10 May 2021
Norm Harris, Umina