Residents ask: Why was tree cut down?

Several Peninsula residents are asking why a mature gum tree has been cut down on the Lance Webb Reserve at Ettalong.

Ms Yvette Pritchard of Woy Woy said she often walked through the reserve and had noticed the mature tree on many occasions.

She recently noticed, and took photos as a record, that the tree had been reduced to a stump.

"The stump looked healthy so I cannot imagine why the tree was cut down," Ms Pritchard said.

Ms Pritchard also said the tree was adjacent to an empty lot at 352 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong, which was about to undergo redevelopment.

Central Coast Council gave its consent for a four-unit multi-dwelling housing project to be built on the site with basement car parking and swimming pool, valued at $2.6 million, in October 2017.

A construction certificate has not yet been published on the Gosford Development Application Tracker website to indicate commencement of work at the site.

Peninsula News has asked Central Coast Council to explain why the gum tree was cut down but a response had not been received prior to going to press.

SOURCE:

Interview, 21 Jun 2018

Yvette Pritchard, Woy Woy

Reporter: Jackie Pearson