Are governments planning for demographic change?

Over the past few years, I have noticed small changes taking place here on the Peninsula.

One of the main ones is the increase in the number of young people.

Once a pram was a rarity.

Now they are a common sight, with a young mother who is often accompanied by a second young child as well.

With Sydney pricing itself out of the housing market for young families, we are the obvious next best option.

This change in our demographic is most welcome, but I am wondering are the respective governments are making plans to accommodate this change?

While Central Coast Council continues to approve the demolition of a single dwelling and its replacement by multi-storeyed homes for many new families, it does not appear to be considering the other needs of either its old or new residents.

Our roads and footpaths are still a shocker.

Where are these young people going to play?

Our parks are disappearing or not being maintained.

The playing equipment necessary to encourage children away from their television set or play station and out into the fresh air is not being provided.

When you go to either of the Woy Woy shopping centres finding parking is a real challenge.

I know I sometimes just give up and go home.

The need for a huge increase in commuter parking has been obvious for years.

The suggestion, some time ago, that more spaces be provided 800 metres from the station was just plain ridiculous.

The State Government is spending billions on new infrastructure in Sydney but is doing nothing for the Coast.

When I retired over 10 years ago, finding a seat on a train at Woy Woy was getting difficult, now it is impossible.

There are no plans to increase the number of trains operating from the area or generally improve the service.

Likewise, without knowing the figures, where are these children going to be educated?

Sometime ago I passed my old alma mater at Eastwood.

Most of the playgrounds were carparks for the additional teachers.

Is the same fate going to happen at the schools around here?

The Federal Government's promise of infrastructure funding is most welcome.

The question is whether it is part of an integrated plan looking at the bigger picture or will these funds just be used to appease those with the loudest voices?

If we are to have the community we want, which provides for everybody, all levels of government need to sit down and develop proper plans to integrate their services and spending.

Email, 14 Aug 2019

Laurie Powell, Woy Woy