Coupling leisure facilities with over-development

Currently the State Government has an agenda to increase the population density on the Central Coast focusing mainly on the Woy Woy Peninsula.

To achieve this objective, it is allowing developers a medium density "free for all".

While Council complains about this interference with its zoning powers, it is quite happy to accept money from developers as compensation for replacing backyards with concrete, bricks and mortar. This funding boost, known as the "Developer Section 94 Contribution Scheme", can only be collected if the local council and Planning NSW give the "green light" for urban consolidation.

As $29 million of contributions are anticipated, we must assume they have plans for an unprecedented level of medium density in store for the Peninsula.

It's nice to have money to spend on recreational facilities, but should this come at the expense of the Central Coast lifestyle that its residents currently enjoy?

Should we give up our backyards in exchange for increased traffic congestion, pollution and loss of privacy, so that Council can extract money from developers to upgrade existing communal open space?

It's rather convenient that these developer funds can be pulled out of a hat, or "pork barrel", just before an election to rescue the Peninsula Regional Leisure Centres cost blowout.

It would be better to provide facilities that the ratepayers can afford, which are not coupled with the over-development of their neighbourhoods.

Michelle Cairns, Woy Woy