Residents oppose sale of remnant wetland vegetation

Residents adjacent to a council reserve containing regionally-significant vegetation in Jumbuck Cres, Woy Woy, have started a campaign against council plans to sell the land.

"This remnant of a wetland contains about 30 paperbark trees, making it one of the largest stands of original native trees left on the Woy Woy-Umina sandplain," said nearby resident Mr Mark Mann.

"It is classified by Gosford Council as 'regionally significant vegetation', which council policy states is 'intended to be protected'."

The sale of the reserve is part of a proposal to rezone and sell off six blocks of "operational and community land" on the Peninsula and a total of 31 blocks across the Gosford municipality.

Mr Mann said there had been no public consultation about the potential sell-off of the reserves.

"The sale of these blocks will mean a permanent loss of precious open space on the Peninsula, which already has a shortage of parks and reserves," Mr Mann said.

The six sites on the Peninsula are at 23 Memorial Ave, 83-85 Brisbane Ave, 40-42 Pozieres Ave, 40-42 Albion St, 9-11 Mackenzie Ave and 10-12 Jumbuck Crescent.

He said the proposed sale of the reserve in Jumbuck Crescent, off Billabong St, was "of particular concern" because of its high environmental value.

Mr Mann has set up a facebook page, Save Jumbuck Crescent Reserve, as part of the campaign to keep the reserve in council ownership.

He said urged those concerned about the land sale to visit the page for details of how to make their concerns known to Gosford Council.

The Peninsula Environment Group has also written posts on its facebook page in support of the community meeting that will be held at Gosford Anglican Church at 7pm on Tuesday, January 19.

"The sale of these reserves is due to be voted on by councillors at Gosford Council's meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, February 9," the Group's facebook post said.

"It is unclear if there will be any public consultation.

"The Peninsula's bushland surrounds can be deceptive.

"There are, in fact, very few parks or open green spaces on the Peninsula.

"If you are concerned about the potential sale of these reserves, please keep an eye on this Facebook page during January, as we will be posting information on this issue, and details of how to email Council and councillors to express your concern," the post said.

Media statement, 6 Jan 2016

Mark Mann, Save Jumbuck Crescent Reserve

Website, 5 Jan 2016

Save Jumbuck Crescent Reserve, Facebook

Website, 31 Dec 2015

Peninsula Environment Group