Council decides not to sell Austin Butler reserve land
Central Coast Council has resolved not to sell land within the Austin Butler reserve.
The decision at the council's November 28 meeting was in line with a staff recommendation.
It followed a community consultation about whether or not the council should proceed with sale of a triangle of land to the adjacent Peninsula Plaza.
Council Administrator Mr Rik Hart had proposed that proceeds of the sale be put towards a street tree planting program for the Peninsula.
The consultation included a 28-day online poll and an opinion poll conducted by a market research firm.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch described the news as a win for Peninsula residents, visitors, and the Central Coast at large.
"Together, we have shown that our community's voice counts.
"The community's voice on this issue is clear and strong.
"In the online poll, residents expressed their overwhelming preference to retain the site in Council/community ownership.
"In fact, a huge 92 per cent who voted through Council's online consultation were overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the site in Council ownership.
"Council reported a total of 1,581 responses were received during the polling period, October 16 to November 13.
"In the online poll, community members were asked whether they supported Austin Butler Reserve remaining under community ownership through Council, or whether they preferred a sale to the shopping centre and as such, the destruction of this natural site, with funds going towards the long-term greening of the local area.
"Of the targeted community survey conducted by phone, 49% of people voted against the sale, while 46% of people voted for the sale.
"I applaud Mr Hart's commitment that the future of the site will be completely guided by the community's response to the formal consultation process.
"I believe that investment in greening of our community should not be dependent on the destruction of dozens of mature trees, which are home to native birds and animals.
SOURCE:
Media release, 28 Nov 2023
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford