12 Oct, 2014 

Dear Gosford Council and Councillors,

I attach a submission as an individual regarding the proposed Concept Plan prepared by Government Property NSW on behalf of the NSW Government for the future development of Peat Island and Mooney Mooney. I understand that these proposals are before Gosford City Council with a view to rezoning the subject lands. 

Download a copy of the submission58.72 KB

Milsons Passage is a direct neighbour of Peat Island, and many of the properties at Milsons Passage overlook the island. We would hope that the owners and residents at Milsons Passage will be included in the process of Community Consultation in association with this re-zoning proposal.

Of particular concern, at this stage, is the lack of Regional Planning. Peat Island is of regional value and is of strategic importance as a potential 'fulcrum' for the development of communications, employment and tourist based activities in the Lower Hawkesbury. Development of the lands at Peat Island and Mooney Mooney will have broad reaching implications on Brooklyn, Berowra and Hornsby Shire. Many current issues and problems of car parking, river access, boat berthing and access to the Lower Hawkesbury river communities could and should be addressed in a 'pan-Hawkesbury' regional planning study, of which planning for the Peat Island and Mooney Mooney lands would form an integral part. 

I meet regularly with representatives of the communities of Brooklyn, Dangar Island, Mooney Mooney and Sunny Corner, as well as with member of the Milsons Passage community, and so far as I can assess, there is a very strong and general view that Peat Island (itself) should not be sold off to private developers, but must be retained as a potentially crucial asset for the future coordinated development of the Lower Hawkesbury.

We all look forward to collaborating with you, with Hornsby Shire Council and with the State Government NSW in the careful consideration and planning of the Lower Hawkesbury region.

Your faithfully,

Lindsay Johnston

Lindsay Johnston

Architect FRAIA FRIAI