Meeting with director of works

Councillor Lynne Bockholt and community stalwart, Heather Mackenzie from the South Woy Woy Progress Association, met with Council's new director of works, Mr Stephen Glen, to discuss current and future works on the Peninsula, and were impressed with his receptiveness to their concerns.

Cr Bockholt said she hoped the changing of the guard would instil better service to ratepayers.

Following are some observations of the meeting from Cr Bockholt.

Cr Bockholt said the Brisbane Water Drive got worse the closer you got to the Peninsula.

"From Koolewong it's a goat track," she said.

"I believe the community would like the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to address this properly and not in the piecemeal fashion we usually get."

She noted that Avoca Drive had the same number of cars as Brisbane Water Drive, but had had much more spent on it.

She also commented about Woy Woy Rd.

"Heather and I were most concerned that there had been nothing done for 18 months in seeking funds for the tunnel under the railway line at Bull's Hill.

"Within a week, I was delighted to learn that as a result of our meeting with the director of works, a survey was undertaken as preparation for getting designs started.

"Council needs to get this process started if it's serious about seeking funds."

Cr Bockholt said the area between the level crossing and the abattoirs was constantly overgrown and as one of the main entrances to the Peninsula, should be maintained regularly.

"We also discussed plans by the local community to beautify the section from the underpass to the abattoirs.

"This is now, with Council help, in the planning stage."

Cr Bockholt said she had helped secure $12,000 to clean the Woy Woy tidal pool and $18,000 to replace the fence.

"This work would provide a lovely addition for children who use the successful Pelican Park and would be lovely for families in the summer months.

"It's filthy at the moment, yet generations of Peninsula kids have swum there for years."

Cr Bockholt said the Ocean Beach surf club needed replacement because it was not big enough and needed massive amounts of money spent on maintenance and upgrades.

"There is no money at present, but the Beach Safety Liaison Committee is discussing ways of financing replacement," she said.

"The nearby WC Lloyd Park is a disgrace.

"There was a broken bouncy toy which is dangerous and the grass is full of prickles."

"Some of the roundabouts and crossings are full of rubbish and weeds and have never been attended to," said Cr Bockholt.

"It makes ratepayers wonder what they pay rates for - me included."

Cr Bockholt said she had some concerns over the way trees were knocked down to allow units and flats to be constructed.

"Mr Glen has agreed to look at Wyong's tree management plan and see if Gosford can benefit by adopting similar aspects," she said.

"I found Mr Glen to be very receptive to our concerns and since our inspections, I have had good feedback on what he is doing.

"He seems to understand the need to offer good customer service to ratepayers.

"I will be watching with interest to see if he can instil the same values in his department, which in the past have been anything but customer-focussed."

Carl Spears, April 28