Two-year LEP for caravan parks

Gosford Council has introduced a Local Environment Plan (LEP) which will preserve existing caravan parks and mobile home villages for a two-year period.

The decision was seen as one which would allow residents of the parks to stay in their homes without threat of eviction due to redevelopment plans.

The two-year period that the plan is to be in force will be used to "allow council time to prepare an affordable housing study/strategy".

The Peninsula parks effected are Ettalong Beach Village, East's Ocean Beach Caravan Park at Umina, Samaldo at Bensville and Patonga Caravan Park.

Cr Daniel Cook, who brought the motion before council, said: "Residents have said that they need more security on their homes in terms of value.

"For many of these people, their home is their only asset.

"The community is vell versed in this issue.

"I've heard from people who don't live in the parks supporting the residents.

"It is an important and valid form of housing.

Deputy mayor Cr Craig Doyle referred to a member of the public who addressed councillors opposing the LEP.

"One of the speakers spoke of there being a higher use for the parks, but there is no higher use for land than someone's home.

"The owners of the parks should not prey on the residents in order to make money," Cr Doyle said.

Cr Lynne Bockholt said: "These people are not disposable.

"Some clever people have seen an opportunity to throw other people out of their homes.

"I think it's disgraceful and un-Australian," Cr Bockholt said.

The council agenda gave background into the issue, stating: "On 22 September, council resolved to commence the preparation of a draft LEP to rezone all existing caravan parks and mobile home villages/residential parks to Special Use (Caravan Park).

"In response to council's resolution, PlanningNSW advised that a Planning Study was required to allow better understanding of the role caravan parks play in providing affordable housing in Gosford.

"Given the current pressures facing some existing parks, an alternative approach was sought whereby a draft LEP could be introduced with a two-year sunset clause in order to allow council to engage an Affordable Housing Officer and prepare an Affordable Housing Strategy for the City.

"A list of the properties included in the draft LEP is attached to this report.

"On 4 March, council resolved to exhibit the draft LEP including the two-year sunset provision.

"On 6 March, council further resolved, unanimously, to write to the Premier and Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, requesting that no savings provision be inserted in the LEP.

"Council has made provision for part-time funding for the Affordable Housing Officer position, and we are currently awaiting a response from PlanningNSW in relation to further funding for a full time position.

"The potential for some existing caravan parks (including mobile homes) in the city to be redeveloped in the near future is a matter of real concern to council and park residents.

"Council is aware of the important role that caravan parks and mobile home villages play in providing affordable housing in the city, as outlined in the Residential Strategy adopted in 1996.

"Council's adopted position in the Residential Strategy is to support the continued operation of these parks.

"The 2001 Census indicated that there were 2042 people living in caravans, mobile homes or houseboats in the Gosford local government area.

"Limited scientific research has been undertaken regarding the socio-economic profile of this group of people."

Anecdotal evidence from community housing, health and other service providers, indicates that those who are living permanently in caravan parks and mobile home villages tend to have one or more of a number of common characteristics.

These included having a low income (often a pension or benefit), being aged over 55 years, having a disability (often related to mental health) and being part of the most marginalised groups within any community.

"In Gosford and across the Central Coast, caravan and mobile home parks provide the dominant form of affordable housing outside public housing provision," according to the report.

"The current eight to 10-year waiting lists for public housing on the Central Coast often means that people who move into caravan park accommodation with the idea that it is temporary, end up staying long term due to the scarcity of affordable housing on the coast.

"The draft LEP aims to preserve the existing caravan parks and mobile home villages for a period of two years.

"This will allow Council to conduct investigations, research and stakeholder consultation to formulate a strategic approach to address affordable housing issues in the Gosford LGA.

"This information is to be developed into an Affordable Housing Strategy that will provide a long term strategic solution for the City and its residents.

Council will now forward the draft local environmental plan with amendments to the Secretary of the Department of Urban and Transport Planning, requesting the Minister to make the plan pursuant to Section 70 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

Jonathan Reichard, council agenda EP.018, May 27