Gazebo meeting planned

Councillor Geoff Preece will convene a public meeting over a proposed gazebo on the reserve at St Huberts Island.

Gosford Council received 13 submissions for and 13 submissions against the proposal.

Council officers had recommended the proposal's approval.

Some submissions raised concerns that the building and maintenance of the gazebo would be at ratepayers' expense and that the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Some said the gazebo would attract undesirable people to the locality, the nearby wetlands would be disturbed and that the majority of residents opposed the proposal.

Opponents said the gazebo would be an eyesore affecting the landscape quality of the park, that the Progress Association had not been democratic in its support for the proposal, and that there were also concerns about traffic.

Council officers answered the objections saying although maintenance would be at Council's expense the gazebo would be of public benefit.

Officers said there was no evidence to suggest the gazebo would attract undesirable elements to the reserve. They said the progress association was not the applicant and, although showing support for the proposal, had not "unduly influenced or interfered with the assessment process" by Council. Officers also refuted other objections

The reserve is on the waterside at Long Arm Parade and is funded by the Federal Government.

Carl Spears, May 10