What constitutes a community?
A media report in January 2014 highlighted Gosford Council's major advances in 2013.
Mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna and the general manager Mr Paul Anderson supported Gosford town centre being "an easier and more attractive place to do business".
There was a strong emphasis on growth and development in the report.
It does comment on the proposed performing arts centre: "a $30M Regional Performing Arts Centre for the Gosford Waterfront ... closer to becoming a reality".
Not anymore.
There is now nothing of interest in Gosford, with all its development and future development, that makes me proud of that centre.
The question that follows is: Does massive restructuring make an area a better place to live?
This is the question Peninsula residents need to answer.
Is there a community in Gosford?
Or is it a business zone eager for "a social and recreational facelift"?
The bottom line relevant to the Peninsula is: Will high rise development at Ettalong add to the Peninsula's social character?
Or is this dormitory feature destined to corrode the Peninsula's strong social character?
Every edition of the Peninsula News includes reports on the many community activities organised by unpaid volunteers, happy to serve the community.
The editor of the Peninsula News is only one example.
I certainly prefer the Peninsula to Gosford CBD as a lifestyle choice.
I am sure I am not the only person with this bias.
The Peninsula's doctrine should be: "Be more than careful of what you wish for."
SOURCE:
Letter, 31 Jan 2025
Norm Harris, Umina