ISSUES
These are some of the issues that the CEN is currently working on in the following areas:
Planning
CEN has three Planning Committees one for each of the local government areas of Gosford, Wyong and Lake Macquarie.The committees respond to planning proposals particularly the larger ones and formulate submissions to the relevant council with the aim of ensuring the proposed development is in accord with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development. They consult with the Environmental Defenders Office when necessary.The planning committees generally meet monthly and communicate regularly via email.
Climate Change
Climate Future “Cool It”—formed by members of the Central Coast community because our response to the threat of climate change needs community support. See our Aims and Strategy for detail of activities.
For Impacts of Climate Change specific to the Central Coast and for Media releases or other information. see http://cultureswervecc.wordpress.com/
To stay in touch and receive announcements, join our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/climate-future/join
Facebook site at: Climate Future - 'Cool It'.
Our climate is changing and we are responsible. 150 years ago in 1859, John Tyndall discovered that CO2 was a greenhouse gas. Since the 1970’s we have added enormous volumes of green house gases to our atmosphere and we are increasing the rate of emissions every year. This is causing our world to heat up. We don’t have another planet – no Plan B – to escape to.
The consequences are that seas are rising, ice is melting, oceans are acidifying, plants and animals are dying.
Human population has almost reached 7 billion and is headed for 9 billion within 40 years. We are putting increasing pressure on the environmental systems that provide us with clean air, water and food (not to mention recreation).
We need to take action and do it quickly. The IPCC has indicated that we need to stop increasing our global emissions by 2015 and then drop them rapidly if we are to avoid very significant changes. By very significant they mean a destabilization of the climate that could lead to a mass extinction of species. Oh, no doubt humans would survive, but how may and at what cost?
This is an ethical issue. We are living at the expense of our descendants.
Please talk to our political leaders, write letters, call them. We need leadership, not more delay. If you are interested in doing more, join us to keep the issue alive and help encourage ambitious action.
If you are looking for someone to come and talk to you about Climate Change: its impacts; timing of the changes; background to the science; our responses including political, economic, social or ethical; etc – we can provide a speaker to come and talk to you and your group.
Contact:
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
Ph:CEN on +61 2 4349 4756
Built Heritage
The Importance of Heritage
The significance that we attach to our ‘heritage’ is growing each year. The past is all around us - historic buildings, landscapes and other physical survivals of our past. Our heritage is fundamental to how we see ourselves as individuals, communities and as a nation. Historic buildings can become a focus of community identity and pride and create a sense of local unity.
Environment Conservation
Issues relating to the protection of wildlife and natural habitat.
Peat Island Lands
Peat Island: Gateway to the Hawkesbury
In February 2019, the situation is as follows:
“An Addendum Planning Proposal has been lodged with Council, who are working with Property NSW towards a public exhibition period in 2019, with rezoning gazettal later in the year.
This is a significantly improved proposal over the previous plans which would have overdeveloped the site, limited public access and seriously reduced the aesthetics from the Freeway.
The revised proposal includes the potential to open up more than 2 kilometres of public access along the foreshore and more than 21 hectares of open space for the community, including an 11 hectare expansion of the adjacent bushland and Popran National Park.”
On the western side of the M1:
- all the towers planned in 2014 now gone
- the major remaining residences are tucked up near the M1;
- on Peats Ferry Road leading down to the Deerubbin boat ramp there is a small group of houses on each side of the road, On the northern side there are some dwellings behind mangroves. On the southern side there are some houses on the back of that hill.
- CEN wants to see further improvements, with no loss of views from the M1 by adding sound barriers if residences are allowed.
On the eastern side of the M1:
- The Chapel becomes community, with likely Council ownership. The Chapel building would be both a church and a meeting room. Needs a small library and kitchen added although there is no allocated parking.
- There is some concern that the Revesby Workers Club will propose an old peoples’ home near the club.
What’s next:
The Central Coast Council Administrator promised a 3 month consultation period
Click here to read more about the proposal and watch the video
Thank you to everyone who helped to gain these improvements, keep involved so that we end up with the best result possible.
This is what was planned in 2014,
- 450 Houses
- Limited Public Waterfront Access
- Motorway Service Centre
- Houses on Tank Hill
- Buildings visible from Freeway
- 5 Storey buildings
Help CEN stop this over development that will cause:
- Loss of Public Land;
- Clearing of Hill;
- Houses, shops and service station in near pristine area;
- Freeway Sound barriers to enable housing;
- More sewerage into Hawkesbury
- Loss of views and amenity
- Loss of Heritage Values.
- Minimal Public Waterfront Access
Contact your local MP and tell them you want Peat Island for everyone.
or Become a Friend of Peat Island to be kept informed – click here:
Save Peat Island and Pick Your Future
Rabbit Island 1900
Background;
Peat Island was originally established as a hospital for mental health patients. It has been closed for 5 years and the land is now being considered for other uses.
CEN supports:
- Aesthetic of the Hawkesbury Valley to be maintained;
- Public Use and Access Improved.
For Example:
The western area should be for day-trippers to stay at (picnic, walks, etc. places to buy food and for large numbers to move through, on to the river and the National Parks. There would be opportunity for basic waterfront camping and heritage buildings would hold displays on National Parks, Hospital and Tourism.”
Water
- Develop a better understanding of local and regional water issues
- Explain water related terminology
- Forming an educated opinion about local water issues
- Find useful links to relevant authorities or additional information
- De-mystify some of the 'foggy' issues in relation to water recycling and desalination plants
- Participate actively in water saving and recycling
- Attempt to represent the water discussion from a sustainable developmental point-of-view.
Water restriction information
If you want to find up-to-date information on water restriction or you
have specific questions, go to the Gosford Wyong Water Authority
website or call the Gosford City Council water call centre on
1800 460 612.
Funding for the CEN water portal provided by the Myer Foundation.
Rivers
Clean fresh water is one of our most valuable assets. It is essential for sustaining aquatic environmental, agriculture and human health. (Waterwatch Australia). Since the Central Coast draws drinking water mainly from rivers, it is vital to maintain a healthy river system.
Networking Nights
CEN Networking nights are a gathering of members and other interested parties to meet and discuss current issues. The night provides a forum for people to make others aware of what they are doing and to meet other like minded groups and individuals.
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No More Sydney Dumping on the Coast – Stop the Rot.
An Application has been received for a State Significant Development (SSD) for another waste facility at Somersby. Once again the Central Coast Council has been bypassed. See notice, comments are due by the 28th February.
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Water News & Campaigns
CEN Office Location
Contact details
CALL 02 4349 4756
FAX 02 4349 4755
PO Box 149 Ourimbah NSW 2258
CEN OFFICES
The Manor, Central Coast Campus
University of Newcaste
Brush Road Ourimbah
NSW
