Council may block wonderful idea

The Bays Progress Association is working on a new hall to create a meeting place for the local people.

While there are many reasons for a new hall, the overriding one for me is our young.

The Central Coast has a record for high suicide and drug use that we should be ashamed of.

Like many areas on the Central Coast, the Bays grew out of modest beginnings.

No thought was given for healthy community planning.

We wish to address this in a small way.

The area where the new hall is proposed gives access to all for water sports and bush skills. An opportunity for healthy risk-taking that builds independence and self esteem.

It is a wonderful idea backed by some great people. Yet it may be blocked.

The reason is the Environmental Department of Gosford Council wishes to rezone the land, which is now marked for recreation use.

The ludicrous image was not lost on us, when this derelict site, under the shadow of lantana and cassia bush in an area strewn with home made "bongs" (marihuana pipes), is being protected as is. The bongs clearly demonstrate what kind of risk-taking our young are currently participating in.

At the same time, just up the hill, the Council has given permission for a mini-rainforest with gigantic gums to be demolished for a quick "buck" by a private individual.

Several geotech experts have condemned this development as dangerous. The danger, a landslide, that could kill.

Mrs Helen Le Vitzki

Woy Woy Bay