Specialists needed to monitor Veron Rd

Controversial village development approved, says the Central Coast Express Advocate (11 May 2007).

It is time to recall the wise words of Allen A Strom AM to support one lone councillor.

It was May 1995.

I was at Copacabana considering management of the area in relation to catchment management, and issues stemming from development around Cockrone Lagoon.

The excursion was led by the very knowledgeable Beryl and Allen Strom.

After inspecting the area and discussing the approach of Gosford Council to problem solving, which was either an engineering decision or an environmental solution.

The engineering approach transferred the problem to another site, not addressing the real problem, whereas the environmental option had the ability to actually solve the matter.

The preference was to adopt the engineering plan, which had serious deficiencies.

During the day, Allen was asked: "Do you get annoyed when you continually see this approach to decision making?"

Allen repled: "No, because people can make mistakes. However, the same mistakes are being made over and over."

Allen's astute analysis is as valid today as it was in 1995. The only difference is that it takes longer to go around the same circle.

What odds for Ecological Sustainability when the majority support the favourite: 8/1 on is favouritism in my book for the heavily weighted "status quo".

Gosford Council will need a specialist team to monitor the conditions attached to this development, if the budget permits.

Norman Harris Umina