Save Our Suburbs - Michelle Cairns

Overdevelopment of our suburbs is seriously affecting the way we live.

With the projected population increase of 80,000 additional residents on the Central Coast and very little in the way of new land release, the influx is expected to be accommodated within our existing neighbourhoods in medium and high density housing complexes.

Our suburban backyards are being replaced by concrete and bricks. Our roads are becoming more congested. Our water supply is dwindling. Our waste depots are nearly full and local unemployment is set to escalate.

A more considered approach to urban planning which preserves the existing character of our neighbourhoods would alleviate many of these problems.

Unfortunately the present preoccupation with development and the lack of will to provide long-term solutions is accelerating the degradation of our suburban environment.

Despite Mangrove dam dropping to 29.86 per cent capacity and current water restrictions, there is no long-term plan to ensure adequate water supply for our region.

Similarly, our waste depots are fast approaching their maximum capacity. Kincumber tip will be full in 12 months, yet there is no strategy to deal with the future of our waste disposal.

This neglect in planning is astounding considering the size of the projected population and that building materials associated with redevelopment account for 60 per cent of landfill.

Approval to redevelop commercial areas and replace them with residential units limits local employment opportunities and adds to the ranks of commuters travelling to Sydney.

I would like the opportunity work with the community and council staff to establish a culture of thoughtful planning that will protect and enhance our Central Coast lifestyle.

Michelle Cairns, Save Our Suburbs, Woy Woy