ACF branch holds its own 'engagement' meeting
The Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast branch will hold a community "engagement" meeting about the proposed "Austin Butler sell-off" from 10am on Saturday, November 27
Branch president Mr Mark Ellis said Central Coast Council administrator Mr Rik Hart decided to reclassify Lot 1, 9 Austin Butler Acc, Woy Woy, in July, as a precursor to its proposed sale to Peninsula Plaza.
"Since then, the community has been left in the dark as to the process," said Mr Ellis.
He said the administrator was quoted as saying: "If we put it up as a reclassification, it allows the community to have a full and frank discussion."
Mr Ellis said, five months on, the community was still waiting for this "full and frank" discussion to occur.
In its absence, the Australian Conservation Foundation branch would hold its own community discussion.
He said it would be held on the Austin Butler oval reserve next to Peninsula Plaza.
There would be petitions, speakers and information concerning the site.
Mr Elllis said the proposal affected "the most tree covered section of the Woy Woy CBD", which Mr Hart had described as "a lovely stand of trees".
He said Mr Hart revealed he had been approached by the adjoining Peninsula Plaza and the Peninsula Business Chamber with concerns about the long term future of Woolworths.
"Many residents are more concerned about the heat impacts, and ongoing climate change impacts on the Peninsula than the protestations of the unrepresentative Peninsula Chamber of Commerce," Mr Ellis said.
"This is nothing but a land grab."
SOURCE:
Media release, 12 Nov 2021
Mark Ellis, ACF Central Coast