Coastal Residents meeting held

More than 130 people attended a public meeting held by Coastal Residents Inc at Woy Woy on Saturday, November 26, according to secretary Mr Pat Aiken.

New member applications were received, taking the total membership to over 100 people.

The meeting also resolved that a rally outside Member for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein's office would take place on Monday, November 28.

"We have now provided six public meetings which have been attended by a total of over 1300 people since October last year," said Mr Aiken.

He said the group had implemented a range of strategies in its campaign against Gosford Council and the NSW State Government measures to inform property purchasers of the possible impact of climate change.

The group now has legal funding totaling $7150 with a short term target of $10,000.

"Legal advice has been commissioned and completed and we are now waiting for a layperson's interpretation of the finding," said Mr Aiken.

"At this time, we have been advised by a senior partner and litigation lawyer with Malleson's, that the "the encoding on our Section 149(5) Planning Certificates is invalid".

"That is a great result and justifies the concerns we have raised and our activism and protest against Gosford Council's crazy planning for sea level rise and coastal erosion

"That doesn't mean we have won but it does mean that we have the legal backing in the form of a legal opinion from one of the largest law firms in Australia and internationally.

"Class action is not yet an option until the funding of such legal action is agreed to be provided by a litigation funding company.

"Before any form of legal action can commence we will first attempt to consult with the Council and the NSW State Government and resolve the issue.

"If class action is the final outcome, it is up to individual to determine if they want to join such action," said Mr Aiken.

Media Release, 27 Nov 2011 Pat Aiken, Coastal Residents Inc