Computer may model Ettalong town centre

Gosford Council has mooted the creation of a three-dimensional computer model of Ettalong's commercial district to help planners assess the impact of major developments.

The council resolved last week to consider allocating $150,000 in its 2007/2008 budget for the development of a three-dimensional model of Terrigal town centre, with a 3D model of Ettalong expected to follow.

The report stated that redevelopment was occurring in parts of the city and a model of Ettalong and Terrigal central building districts would assist in the assessment process.

Gosford Cr Vicki Scott said she thought there was an equity problem.

"If we allocate this money for a Terrigal town centre than we need to look at other town centres like Umina, Woy Woy and Ettalong," Cr Scott said.

Cr Terri Latella asked for a timeframe of the project, stating that there were developments already taking place in the Terrigal area that the imaging program could help with.

Cr Malcolm Brooks said that he had held a discussion with the staff on the timeframe and it as noted that they would have to refine some aspects of the modelling machine to launch one for Terrigal and then later for Ettalong.

Cr Brooks said the modelling machine would not be ready for tender for "two or three months".

Cr Craig Doyle praised the modelling machine, calling it an "excellent tool for planners and the community".

He said it was sometimes it was difficult to know how something was going to look.

"With a council-owned facility we would have the ability to identify what is permissible and acceptable.

"I would be actively encouraging it.

"We are going to need these tools at the officers' command."

In 2002 council provided funding to the then Development and Planning Directorate to work in company with detail design computer modelling specialists to develop a three dimensional computer model of the town centre of Gosford at a cost of $100,000.

The purpose of the model was to aid planning staff in the assessment of the impact of major developments.

A report to council from Cr Brooks stated that the modelling system was accurate to within 100mm and allowed staff to accurately assess the impact of shadow, bulk and scale, view impact and streetscape appearance to a degree not possible with conventional plans and photographs.

The model allowed a full fly through of the proposed structure and an assessment from any angle or level.

Cr Brooks said it had been a wonderful tool for staff and the Gosford CBD Committee that allowed a highly-accurate representation of a building to be constructed, and was also easily understood by the general public.

Cr Brooks said the model had been used to demonstrate the impact of buildings in court cases and in presentations to interest groups and had proved to be "highly valued".

The report stated that "currently redevelopment is occurring in other parts of the city and a model of Ettalong and Terrigal CBDs would assist in the assessment process".

It stated that funds were required to develop a model for firstly Terrigal and ultimately Ettalong to allow further assessments of the impacts of development.

Council agenda NM.1, 23 Jan 2007