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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Section 94 fees to rise 20 per cent

 

Developer "section 94" fees will increase by around 20 per cent under an amendment proposed for the Peninsula's contribution plan.

The plan lists council "open space" purchases and recreational facilities to be funded from the fees.

The contribution, which is paid by developers of new buildings on the basis of expected occupancy, will increase from $2556 to $3047 per person.

"The total open space contribution rate for a medium density development consisting of, for example, three medium size units is $10,224," Gosford Council was told.

"Under the amended contribution plan, the same development would pay a total contribution of $12,498."

The amendment to the plan would also reduce the amount of open space purchased and increase the amount spent on "embellishments".

It abandons the existing formula of 2.83 hectares (seven acres) per 1000 people and moves to a "needs-based" approach, "which takes into account factors such as population characteristics, and expressed needs, demands and preferences of residents".

The council was told that the open space allocation had been arbitrarily selected by town planners in England in the 1940s.

"It has no relevance to the demographic differences between communities and their recreation needs and preferences."

The amendment identifies needs associated with increases in population, in medium density housing, in numbers of older people and of young families, as well as increases in low income households and unemployed, retirees and part-time workers.

The needs of those who commute and who do not have a car were also noted.

The amendment maps out a new works program to be funded from the fees.

The program includes a beach observation tower, a fishing platform at Woy Woy bridge and an upgrade to Blackwall Point boat ramp.

It includes upgrades to seven playgrounds in local parks and provides for the purchase of land for the new Woy Woy aquatic centre.

There is also purchase of land and improvements to sport fields and local parks.

It includes the reconstruction of the Umina tidal rock pool, an additional BMX track and an additional skate facility.

It also includes a foreshore pedestrian cycleway at Woy Woy, improvement to Blackwall Mountain walking tracks and picnic and barbecue facilities integrated with the foreshore works.

Council agenda SF.026, June 25