Council appoints consultant for land sale review

Gosford Council has commissioned an external consultant "to consider all aspects relevant to each parcel" of community land that it proposes to sell on the Peninsula.

Council chief Mr Paul Anderson said the consultant would address the requirements of State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 19, which was for the protection and preservation of bushland within urban areas.

"In the case of regionally significant vegetation issues, Council employs appropriate experts to manage and maintain sites," he said.

"The identified sites for stage one and stage two [of the Land Sale Strategy] have only been flagged for possible sale by council at this point.

"There has been no final recommendation to sell community land parcels.

"The report will be an extensive document and is expected to be provided to council within the next two to three months.

"The review of this land, which has been held by council for many years, is a healthy process.

"Under the Public Works Act, a fully informed and transparent review of all parcels must occur.

"This review will include a public hearing, where community members will have the opportunity to speak for or against any land reclassification.

"The community will be provided with 28 days before each public hearing," Mr Anderson said.

Media statement, 25 Jan 2016

Paul Anderson, Gosford Council