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No mystery on multi-storey development

 

J Fallon's letter to the editor (Peninsula News, August 18) regarding multi-storey zoning in Ettalong Beach was quite offensive and deliberately misleading.

I was quite surprised that Peninsula News saw any merit in printing such a concoction of rubbish that had absolutely no basis in truth.

Mrs Fallon inferred that there is a mysterious plot to allow multi-storey developments in Ettalong Beach.

If she had any understanding of the current planning guidelines, she would realise that multi-storey buildings are already allowed in Ettalong Beach or, for that matter, any CBD on the Peninsula.

In fact, Gosford Council has supported the multi-storey Ettalong Beach Club and has recently agreed to the issue of consent orders for the four-storey Ettalong Beach Hotel.

That is hardly a covert plot.

The proposal advanced by property owners in the CBD several years ago to review zonings was aimed at ensuring that future development of the Ettalong Beach town centre was both integrated and coordinated.

It sought building heights commensurate with the State Government's Coastal Council Guidelines.

However, in view of the recent decision of the State Government to undertake an Integrated Planning Strategy for the Peninsula, these proposals were withdrawn to allow a full community consultation process to proceed in conjunction with both the Council and Planning NSW.

Again, that is hardly a covert plot.

However, her shabby attempt to connect me with development companies really does demean J Fallon.

I have been the main street coordinator for Ettalong Beach since 1995, well before my election to Gosford Council, and have undertaken much of the work over the last seven years on a voluntary basis.

I have lived, worked and raised my family on the Peninsula for most of my life and will not be deterred by those who simply look for sinister ulterior motives to thwart progress in our community.

Cr Debra Wales, August 18