Court decision 'could take months'

A decision about the proposed development of a boarding house at Ferry Rd, Ettalong, is still being considered by the Land and Environment Court.

Ettalong residents' group member Mr Kerry Nicholson said he understood that the decision could take many months, perhaps even years.

Mr Nicholson said he had been alarmed by reports in Fairfax Media about the alleged stabbing death of a Camperdown primary school teacher Mr Brian Liston by a man who was living in a nearby half-way house.

Mr Nicholson said he was particularly concerned about a statement in the Fairfax Media article which said: "A FACS spokeswoman said it worked closely with corrective services to house parolees, sometimes in temporary accommodation or private boarding houses.

"We can't do anything at this stage, it is in the hands of the land and environment court and this is a case that is relevant," Mr Nicholson said.

"It is an awareness thing, It has happened in Sydney and we can see similarities if it does go ahead," he said.

Gosford Council chief Mr Paul Anderson said the council was also waiting for a decision.

"We have no further information or comments as we are awaiting the determination of the court," Mr Anderson said..

Interview and email, 4 Jan 2016

Kerry Nicholson, Ettalong

Media statement, 4 Jan 2016

Paul Anderson, Gosford Council