Don't panic, says mayor

Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein said it was important for the community not to panic when discussing the issues and affects associated with climate change and sea level rises.

"We want the community to be aware of the current information council has on hand from the experts into the future of the area," Cr Holstein said.

"We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand and ignore the issue.

"That is why council is taking a proactive approach to the issue and coming up with some long-term options.

"Climate change and the affects of sea level rises may or may not happen.

"But it's council's duty of care to monitor the situation and continue to educate the community in what information is brought to us.

"By planning for the future, we can position the Central Coast as an attractive area for long-term investment, by responding and adapting to changes in our surrounding environment."

Meanwhile Peninsula real estate agent Mr Greg McMullen said "the climate change issue" did not seem to have any impact on waterfront property prices as yet.

"We still seem to be getting a lot of enquiries and interest in waterfront properties on the Peninsula," Mr McMullen said.

"I think potential buyers and property owners are thinking significant rises in sea levels are a long way off to worry about.

"Other impacts such as the global financial crisis seem to be affecting sales more than anything at the moment.

"However, there are a lot of sceptics out there who believe it will happen quicker than expected."

Mr McMullen said he believed council was showing good initiative in declaring to the public exactly where they stand with the issue and how they will be addressing the problem.

He said waterfront properties such as those at St Hubert's Island and Daley's Point were still averaging in excess of $1 million while waterfront houses along Woy Woy Bay remain at around $700,000.

Clare Graham, 7 Aug 2009 Cr Chris Holstein, Gosford Council Greg McMullen, Greg McMullen Real Estate