Intrusive footpath use will expand

To those ratepayers concerned, Gosford Council did provide an opportunity for its ratepayers to be directly involved. In a process of formalising "the standards" of footpath use.

In what was till recently the illegal encroachment right across the local government area, all sorts of commercial activity is now allowed onto our public footpaths and road reserves.

An obscure yet mandatory insurance requirement under the Local Government Act has come into play.

Until recently overlooked by all involved, it was the underlying factor motivating our council to combine three separate policies.

People who are now complaining loudly in the local press about the erection of what will become a tacky vinyl clad "structure" adjacent to the pedestrian crossing should ready themselves for an explosion of intrusive footpath use.

Gosford Council is just one of many councils across NSW opening this Pandora's box.

Section 125 of the Roads Act 1993 No 33 "Approval to use footway for restaurant purposes" and Section 126 of the Roads Act 1993 No 33 "Authority to erect structures" are particular pieces of legislation which are being exploited by councils to service the aspirational desires of a few.

Edward James Umina