Footballers should face maximum fines

Ettalong oal has traditionally been maintained by Gosford Council as public open space for passive recreation and organised sport.

Council regulations displayed at the park prohibit taking or consuming alcohol there.

Section 632 makes it an offence to trade, collect money, advertise, erect canvas structures or use sound amplifying equipment without Council's permission.

On April 18, without Council's permission, persons associated with a football team erected a fence enclosing the common at Ettalong Oval and charged members of the public $6 each to enter their own public park.

They also sold and consumed alcohol and food.

Council has a duty to enforce its policies regulating the use of public land.

It should act without fear or favour and should not be influenced or intimidated by the power of the media-backed football industry or the economic resources of clubs.

To demonstrate that it is serious about protecting public land, Gosford Council should make an example of offenders by insisting they pay the maximum fines applicable and forfeit all money collected illegally at Ettalong Oval.

Anything less would set a bad precedent.

John Collins, Woy Woy