Shipping container for foreshore
Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein has ordered a shipping container to stand on the spot where trees were cut down along The Esplanade at Ettalong.
However, the Mayor's initiative does not have the support of two Peninsula councillors.
Both Crs Penton and Wales have opposed the move.
The used container would be used to block the views, previously blocked by trees, of nearby residents.
The container, approximately 6m long, 2.4m high and 2.4m wide, would be painted with palm trees and a vandalism message would be painted on the side.
Charges had not been laid for the vandalism.
Cr Holstein has said that council found it hard to fine offenders because of the lack of willingness of witnesses to come forward.
"We have had five or six incidents along that stretch over the last six months," he said.
"It's not (just) vandalism, but people seeking better views.
"You don't chainsaw trees and poison shrubs to vandalise."
Cr Holstein said the container idea came about after repeated unsuccessful attempts using more subtle methods.
"We have done letterbox drops and we've put up signs, but when the sign was removed and gratified and we had to replace it, it was the straw that broke the camel's back," he said.
"The Esplanade has times of high winds and volatile seas.
"The vegetation is there to help the dunes stay there.
"In times of high seas, we can lose dunes, roads and homes.
"Every man and his dog will sue council if that happens.
"People mightn't believe me, but go and look at some photos of Wamberal from the 1970s.
"In 30 to 50 years time, I don't want someone to try and sue me for a lack of due care.
"I'm on leave soon and I believe some of the other councillors will try to over-ride my decision."
Cr Holstein said council would replant the trees in a rational and sensible manner with a more planned focus.
"But there is no excuse for cutting down the vegetation," he said.
"Some have said the container is ludicrous, lunacy, craziness, but something has to be done.
"This is a message for the community to keep their ears and eyes open."
Cr Holstein said he chose the spot for the container because that spot was the most extensively damaged and was the first spot attacked.
"The container will stay for three to four weeks," he said.
"If the vegetation continues to be cleared, it will stay for 12 months."
Cr Judith Penton said she totally disagreed with the idea.
"It's playing kindergarten games with adults."
She said allowing children to paint palm trees on the side of the container was legalising graffiti.
Cr Debra Wales said: "The other day, two trees were cut down where no view was gained.
"I think it is just vandalism.
"The mayor's idea is not the answer,
"The answer is to meet with the residents along the Esplanade and make a plan of management, where the residents get a sense of ownership."
Cr Wales said the residents had told her they thought a plan of management would be good idea.
"This means they would become a type of unofficial Bush Care group."
She said tea trees and banksias were unnecessary to hold the dunes together and that low shrub and grasses were adequate.
"The container wouldn't happen on Gosford waterfront or at Point Frederick, so why on the Peninsula?
"I've been inundated with phone calls saying the idea is ludicrous.
"For years, we have been trying to lift the profile of Umina and Ettalong Beach, but with this our profile goes down the drain.
"If we want magnificent trees, then plant mature trees so the view is under the canopy.
"Viewing platforms, low shrubs and grasses and tall trees are options that can be examined in a plan of management."
Cr Craig Doyle said he had received no correspondence in opposition to the mayor's plans but over 100 letters and email in support.
Carl Spears, February 2