Council rationale for land sales explained
Central Coast Council staff have explained their rationale for some of the proposed sales of Council land on the Peninsula.
The explanation came in response to submissions about the Council's Operational plan, to support the recommended adoption of the plan on Tuesday night, June 29.
The response was made to "questions and commentary" in six submissions about Umina car park, and Anglers Land and Austin Butler Oval in Woy Woy.
Staff recommended no change to the draft operational plan on these proposed sales.
They commented: "The site on Anglers Lane has been considered as the land would achieve increased use as residential housing sites.
"It is proposed to rezone this land to R2 Low Density Residential similarly to adjoining land.
"It should be noted that there is alternate open space within close proximity.
"This land will need to go through a rezoning process and lodge a planning proposal to reclassify certain parcels of land.
"The process for a planning proposal will take approximately 12-18 months to complete.
"As part of the process, Council will be required to undertake formal public consultation.
"For the reclassification process, Council is also required to undertake a public hearing which will be convened by an independent facilitator.
"The outcomes of the public hearing will be required to be reported back to Council. "Ultimately, the NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment will decide the outcome of any planning proposal submitted by Council."
In relation to the Austin Butler Oval, council staff commented: "The site has been considered as it would provide better economic use of the land and ensure the ongoing viability of Peninsula Plaza.
"This upgrade to the plaza would also ensure the long-term security of the existing 95 jobs and allow for an expansion to approximately 120 jobs."
Feedback received on the Asset Sale Program will be reviewed and a report based on this feedback along with recommendations on next steps will be reported to Council.
To date, Council has met with many community groups to understand their concerns and to work with them on solutions to issues that have been raised. This consultation process has already provided many positive outcomes for Council and the community.
The staff report commented about inclusion in the sale list of the Bullion St car park in Umina.
"It has been considered as the land is under-utilised as only carparking."
The council staff commented that it had "potential for improved economic use as a commercial development site which could activate the area".
They said that property being considered for sale was assessed against Council's Community Strategic Plan, strategic planning issues as well as whether the property could be better utilised or its potential better realised by the private sector.
"Some of the asset sales are also expected to provide additional benefits for our region and the community, such as local jobs and a boost to the economy, due to the planned land use and zoning.
"Due diligence and a sound strategic approach has been undertaken in the asset sale program to ensure the best short and longer term outcomes are achieved for Council, the region and the community," the council staff claimed.
SOURCE:
Central Coast Council agenda 2.1, 29 Jun 2021