Council reports on petition action

Gosford Council's director of corporate and community services, Mr Chris Gallagher, has released a report to council on action taken with previous petitions received from July to September this year.

Mr Gallagher said he had sent a letter to the 284 petitioners objecting to the closure of Bullion St in Umina CBD.

He said the issues raised by the petitioners in July were still being considered by the consultant drafting the final proposal for the Umina CBD upgrade.

Mr Gallagher also sent a letter to the 38 petitioners who asked for rubberised soft-fall to be placed under the gym equipment at the park on the corner of Ryans Rd and Haynes Ave in Umina.

He said council had insufficient funding to lay the "soft-fall".

He suggested council replace the existing sand with sand that complied to Australian Standards.

Mr Gallagher has sent a letter to 46 petitioners who objected to the allegedly illegal removal of trees on Lot 17 Nambucca Drive, South Woy Woy.

Mr Gallagher said that amended plans from the developer had been received that retained a significant portion of the remaining swamp mahogany trees on the site.

"The matter of illegal removal of trees is currently being investigated," he said.

The eight petitioners who requested council clarify the use of Mary MacKillop Cottage after concerns of "squatters" camping for extended periods of time have been told by Mr Gallagher that the cottage has been closed.

"Council has spoken with the Church secretary and a sign has been erected saying 'Private property - keep out'," he said.

The 16 residents near Kahibah Creek at Umina who asked for existing bushland near the creek be maintained regularly and typha reeds be removed without dredging or the use of herbicide have been told their concerns will be raised in an assessment of the creek and a subsequent report to council.

Eight residents who voiced their concerns about a lack of street lighting in Wentworth South Ave in Woy Woy have been told that no extra lighting is needed.

The 68 petitioners who objected to the syringe bin in Pelican Park and asking for its removal or relocation have been told the six-month trial of the bin was successful and had been extended for another six months.

The 106 residents of Flounder Rd, Ettalong, who requested an upgrade of their road "before a serious accident occurs" have been sent a letter from Mayor Cr Chris Holstein.

The letter said that Flounder Rd was listed for consideration of funding in this year's budget.

The mayor said the works would include upgrading of the existing pavement and where appropriate improve the surface of the existing footway area.

He said kerbing, guttering and footpaths were rated low priority and work was not expected to be undertaken for at least three years.

Carl Spears, December 8