Patonga parking 'no solution' for Brooklyn

The Patonga Beach Progress Association has rejected a suggestion from the Brooklyn Community Association that more parking should be provided in Patonga for the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre.

"We would happily discuss the problem with the Brooklyn Community Association and help them find solutions, but bumping their parking problems across the Hawkesbury is neither practical nor desirable," said Patonga Progress Association president Mr Dain Simpson.

Manager of the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre at Little Patonga, Ms Christine Duff, has also rejected claims that its clients were causing parking problems in Brooklyn.

"We don't believe our clients are causing any problems with parking in Brooklyn - the majority are school children who arrive by bus," said Ms Duff.

"Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre has been hosting school and community groups, who also bring business to many local shops and cafes, for 75 years.

"The Centre is an asset to the village's tourism industry and we're happy to work together with the community to ensure everyone can enjoy this beautiful part of the Hawkesbury region.

"As part of our commitment to the local community, we will continue to monitor our clients' parking locations and if necessary implement changes," said Ms Duff.

Mr Simpson said people using the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation camp used Patonga as one of the pickup points and, during the week, some cars were left on the waterfront or on nearby roads.

"There are also a number of staff who travel by boat from Patonga.

"Patonga is generally quiet during the week except for school holidays.

"To suggest there is adequate weekend space suggests little knowledge of parking issues in Patonga.

"The foreshore is active most of the day.

"At the moment, it is also a working fishing port.

"On any Sunday, the area is packed with vehicles and pedestrians.

"The boat ramp car park is often full and adding additional vehicles to use Patonga for parking would only exacerbate a problem we are striving to manage.

"We are seeking to avoid converting parklands and tennis courts to car parking.

"I would assume that a proportion of visitors to Little Patonga may come by public transport.

"Brooklyn has a railway station, the nearest to Patonga is Woy Woy with a bus service that is not based on frequency, but on peak period demand, and that means few services at weekends.

"Yes there is a ferry service from Palm Beach, twice a day, but the timetable is designed for brief day visits.

"By car it is approximately one hour from the Warringah entrance to the F3 and Patonga Dr leaves much to be desired."

Email, 1 May 2013

Dain Simpson, Patonga Beach Progress Association

Media Statement, 26 Apr 2013

Christine Duff, Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre