Greens condemn Council land sale

Central Coast Greens have condemned Gosford Council's "so-called Land Sale Strategy".

Central Coast Greens spokesperson Ms Kate da Costa said that many of the 31 blocks which Gosford Council proposed to sell were heavily timbered reserves or pocket parks in densely populated suburbs.

"The Greens object not only to the sale of public assets, but to the whole process.

"We call on the Council to stop the strategy' and begin again, with community consultation to determine a set of criteria for deciding if land is in fact surplus to requirements.

"These criteria should certainly include the reasons why council owns the land in the first place - especially if it was given in perpetuity as a reserve or open space - population projections, proximity to existing recreational open space or wildlife corridors and observed community use over time.

"Only then, again in consultation with the community, should there be a transparent assessment of whether land meets any of the criteria and is in fact surplus to current and future needs.

"The Greens remind council that just because they think land is surplus that is not necessarily what the community thinks.

"The successful community garden established at Moana St, Woy Woy, by Jill Meredith on land the council was going to sell is a fantastic example of genuine community use.

"The Central Coast Greens are concerned that as population levels and density rises on the Peninsula, our open spaces are even more necessary.

"Although the Peninsula is flat, people with limited mobility or with small children cannot be expected to walk long distances to a few large parks.

"Even if the land is not open space, such as in Jumbuck Cres, these blocks provide areas that are important for native wildlife.

"Council's own Community Strategic Plan says (page six): 'Our environment will be protected, enhanced and sustained.

"'Decisions made will consider the impact on current and future generations.'

"The Council's Contribution Plan 31C for the Peninsula points out that Council has decided 'not acquire land in private ownership' (page four) which means land sold now can never be rebought - nor can other land now in private ownership be bought in the future if needs change'.

"The document also states (table 7) that 'recreation needs will be increased' and 'less private open space will increase demand on community facilities' meaning a 'reliance on community supplied and low cost recreation facilities'.

"For these reasons, and the projected increase of population to over 44,000, Central Coast Greens say it is critical that public land now owned by Council stays in public hands," Ms da Costa said.

Media statement, 7 Jan 2016

Kate da Costa, Central Coast Greens Water/Energy/Environment