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Collapse Issue 483 - 25 Nov 2019Issue 483 - 25 Nov 2019
Collapse  NEWS NEWS
Bays group opposes demolition of historic boatshed
New phase in building aged care extension
Students remove 320kgs of rubbish from mangroves
Rotary club raises $10,000 through charity ball
BP service station could become 7-Eleven store
Peninsula receives two out of 36 grants
Pelican researcher conviction overturned
Work to extend water dead-ends into the main network
Ward councillors oppose 'town hall style' meeting
Proposal for swim school to become jetski repair site
CWA branch launches Christmas drive
Council considers cat curfew
Community to join councillors on water committee
Move to jump to level two water restrictions defeated
Council financial statements delayed by audit office
New arrival celebrates 100 years
Carols to be sung in Woy Woy
Free energy bill support session
Volunteer wanted for Australia Day festivities
Graffiti cleaned from school and park
Mary Mac's issues Christmas wishlist
Rotary club to sell Christmas trees
A night to make gingerbread houses
Rotary club visits college farm
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Token roundabout project is not needed
The last thing we need is another roundabout
Three-storey block of flats will cause traffic congestion
New toilet needed at Umina
Too little too late
What is planned for ground stability and rockfalls?
Prepare for an uncertain future
Unfair to allow chain jewellery store next to local jeweller
Chambers Place is shocking
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Peninsula Cancer Council night raises $35,000
Lions Park used for new running events
Workshop to support healthy relationships
Hospital supports Movember fundraiser
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Free movie in the park
Art and craft fair planned for Pearl Beach
Artistic works on display
Collapse  EDUCATION EDUCATION
Principal thanks vigilant residents
Consultation started on use of outdoor space
Students learn about Chinese dragon dance
Creating relief hampers for drought and bushfire
Mini fete raises $5000
Performing arts concert at Umina
Woy Woy contemplates school uniform changes
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Four juniors selected for inter-branch team
Jemma takes out Paddler of the Year award
Selected for Orcas super surf team
Sam Goodman keeps his undefeated boxing record
Kai is named Youth Lifesaver of the Year
Ettalong bowler returns from US Men's Open
Southern Spirit teams defeated
Smiles on Dials day opens season
Frigid Digits hold presentation day
Charity bowlers raise $615
Women's golf club holds charity day
Bowlers support Mary Mac's Christmas party

Bays group opposes demolition of historic boatshed

The caretaker of a historic boatshed at Horsfield Bay has gained the support of the Bays Community Group in his efforts to save the building from demolition.

A demolition order has been issued by NSW Crown Lands following storm damage a year ago.

Department of Planning, Industry and Environment media manager Mr Scott Tucker said: "The boatshed has been held by the holder under a Crown licence since October 20, 1960.

"The licence conditions have not changed and have always stated that the boatshed should be removed at the end of its life.

"An insurance assessment obtained by the licence holder has found that the storm damage left the structure beyond repair and it needs to be demolished.

"It is also creating a safety hazard.

"Once cleaned up, the site will be restored to public open space for the safe enjoyment of the community," Mr Tucker said.

However, caretaker Mr Stan McDonald said: "Melita Boatshed is a landmark and must be preserved.

"It has been an icon in the Brisbane Waters area for a century and is an important part of the area's history," he said.

The Bays Community Group president Ms Cathy Gleeson agreed, saying the potential loss of the boatshed would be a crippling blow to the rich heritage of The Bays.

"The Melita Boatshed has been an integral part of the history of The Bays and, in particular, Horsfield Bay.

"It is over 100 years old and is the last of several sheds that were built along the foreshore of Horsfield Bay," Ms Gleeson said.

"The Bays Community Group has, over the past 25 years, supported and asked for assistance to have the Melita acknowledged by Gosford Council (at the time) as a heritage item and to be preserved and given financial support to help be maintained.

"Unfortunately, this has not been forthcoming, and as such the boatshed has suffered.

"The Bays Community Group, on behalf of residents of The Bays, is asking for assistance and support to have this important part of our local history given as a matter of urgency, financial assistance by way of heritage listing by Central Coast Council and for its historical significance to be recognised and preserved so that it can be restored and remain an integral part of our area's history," Ms Gleeson said.

Mr McDonald said the boatshed suffered extensive damage following a severe storm in November last year which saw it dislodged from its foundations and partially submerged in the bay.

He said that, after a lengthy insurance claim that lasted 12 months, he was informed the boatshed had been approved for repair, but the Crown Lands department had since stepped in, claiming the boatshed's current state had made it a safety hazard and that it must be demolished.

Mr McDonald said he was aware the foundation of the boatshed could not be saved but argued that the remainder of the structure could be preserved to retain the culturally and historically important structure.

He said he had been told that following further assessments of the site he could have just 60 days to get the boatshed demolished and is now in the process of launching a submission to Crown Lands calling for the decision to demolish Melita Boatshed to be overturned.

Mr McDonald said he had discussed the situation with Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch and was encouraging concerned residents to write to NSW Crown Lands seeking the preservation of the boatshed.





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