Residents rightly concerned about Ettalong character

Residents of Ettalong and the Peninsula are rightly concerned about the transitional character change of Ettalong.

The town centre, as it exists, is incapable of supplying all the goods and services of increased-demand created by a surge of residents and visitors.

Will this increase lead to approval of more cafes on the waterfront with a reduction in open and recreational space?

Due process will be "streamlined", when in reality, a more detailed study beyond the confines of the Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy is essential to report on the widespread effects on the Peninsula.

Where will demand increase on the Peninsula to fill the gap in grocery needs in Ettalong?

It is expected that a new market demand will force residents to use Umina or Woy Woy centres for basic goods and services.

Residents are certainly aware of the process that mocks public opinion on one hand and accepts outrageous development applications on the other.

A detailed study of Ettalong and the Peninsula is not in the interest of the council and is beyond its capability and resources - a perfect storm for a disaster.

If a drastic change to Ettalong is approved, there will be a corresponding drastic change to the town centre and the Peninsula, no doubt.

Selling the Bullion St Umina car park should now be shelved forever.

Otherwise on-line shopping will significantly increase with a corresponding decrease in town centre sales.

Residents should prepare for more battles with the Administrator-controlled council.

There is a very long list of issues to be researched to the satisfaction of residents.

I am not optimistic that this is of equal concern to the council and involved authoriites.

SOURCE:

Letter, 14 Oct 2021

Norman Harris, Umina