Council should buy Sporties 'stranded' asset

The Joint Regional Planning Panel's decision on August 23, to unanimously reject the redevelopment of the Sporties Bowling Club as an integrated seniors' living accommodation was the right decision.

However, the club's owner, Woy Woy Holdings Ltd, has a stranded asset that apparently is losing money.

It would be in the best interests of the owners and the local community, if this bowling club was acquired by Central Coast Council with financial assistance from the NSW Government.

The facility lies on primarily recreational land and is a valuable recreational resource.

It is also in a flood hazard zone, with flooding risk augmented by the impact of increasing climate change effects.

What better authority than the Council to own and manage this resource?

As a model I recommend consideration of the successful resumption of the South Strathfield Bowling Club by Strathfield Council.

That club was renovated with a grant of $495,000 from the Department of Aging, Disability and Home Care.

From late 2012 it has been operating as the Dutton Centre, which gives priority to services and programs for aged and disability groups.

Our outcome if it is purchased by local government with state government assistance, of course will be different, depending on what best meets the needs of our community.

I believe State Government should step up given the sale of about 1100sq metres of what was formerly Crown land to the owners for far less than market value and which now is part of the club site.

Email, Aug 24

Suraya Coorey, Woy Woy