All events at Woy Woy Environment Centre (WWEC), cnr Blackwall & Billabong Rds, unless stated.
Please check www.peg.org.au for any changes or additions to the program.

June
Sunday 6 WWEC Garden Opening + BBQ 10am-1pm
Saturday 19 LETS trade day, WWEC 10am-1pm

July
Tuesday 6 6.30pm Committee + 8pm Advice Session: Energy Saving and Rebates
Sunday 18 Bushwalk: Rampart Track, Umina 10am (Mark Snell)

August
Sunday 15 Picnic: Lions Park 11.30am-2.30pm

September
Sunday 5 Bushwalk: 10am Warrah Trig (Mark Snell: wildflower identification)
Tuesday 7 6.30pm Committee + 8pm Talk: Solar Power
Sunday 19 LETS Trade Day Kariong EcoGarden 10am-2pm

October
Sunday 31 Woytopia Festival: 10am-4pm Woy Woy South Public School, Waterloo Avenue, Woy Woy

November
Tuesday 2 6.30pm Committee + 8pm FILM: Acid Test (ocean acidification)

December
Sunday 5 LETS Trade Day 10am-2pm Kariong EcoGarden
Sunday 12 PEG Xmas picnic: Lions Park 11.30am-2.30pm (to be confirmed)

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PEG NEWS

Join the PEG group on Facebook
If you use Facebook, please join the Pen insula Environment Group Facebook group (there’s a link to it from our www.peg.org.au website). You can help by posting the occasional comment – say once a month – about local green issues, and inviting your locally-based Facebook friends to join too.

Woytopia
PEG is organising a one-day sustainable living festival on 31 October 2010, with food, music, dance, children’s activities, films, talks and workshops. We need volunteers to help organise the festival – email Ian Garradd (iangarradd@gmail.com).

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Other events
Local green events and other local green groups are listed on our website (see Calendar and Links).

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NOTICES AND CAMPAIGNS

Tesrol development in Ettalong
Despite being rejected twice, the Tesrol development is back with NSW Planning. It is for a seven-storey building on the car-park/mot el site next to the Mantra, and almost double the height limit for Ettalong in Council’s planning documents. If you want to make a submission on the proposal you need to write/email NSW Planning before June 4th. See www.peg.org.au for more details and how to make a submission.

Wallarah 2 Coal mine
You can forward a submission regarding the proposed Kores Warallarh 2 coalmine until 2nd June (hurry!). Water studies in the environmental assessment indicate the water regime of the catchment area is at risk of being destroyed – depressurisation of the aquifers will occur with a recovery period exceeding 200 years. Kores (the proponent), as confirmed by their own health risk consultants, have not done comprehensive studies on the injurious affect of life-threatening fine coal dust particulates. The consultants say even with current limits there can be an adverse affect on mortality and hospital admissions (childhood asthma, chronic heart dise ase and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)on people living on Wyong’s northern suburbs and outlying districts. Finally, there’s the contribution of coal to climate change. Deadline is 2nd June. See www.australiancoalalliance.com

This development covers the site area (car park) bounded by Memorial Ave/The Esplanade/The Thai Motel. The rear of the development is the laneway from Memorial Ave. The application requests approval for:

Stage 1
A freestanding 7 or 8 storey development on the waterfront (south) portion of the site. In addition there would be one level of underground parking. There will be 45 apartments, 81 car spots and some 512 square metres of retail space. A 2 or 3-level podium fronting The Esplanade/Memorial Ave with 5-storey residential apartments above. The north end of the site is 7 storeys with a vertical back to the laneway – a visual eyesore from the Ettalong CBD/Ocean View Road. Ground floor fronting The Esplanade and on the western side will be retail. The building has a total height of 31.3 metres including rooftop plant. This exceeds the height limit of 17 metres in the DLEP by 84.1%

Stage 2
A 2 storey development on the northern part of the site at a later date.

This is the third application Tesrol has made to develop this site. The previous two Tesrol applications to Gosford Council in 2005 and 2007 were rejected due to excessive height/bulk and failure to integrate with the  future planning directions in the Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy (PUDS), the Central Coast Regional Strategy (CCRS) and the proposed Gosford DLEP (DLEP). There was support from pro-developer Gosford councillors for the previous Tesrol application in 2007 but community, local Labor member and state government opposition prevented approval.

In August 2006 the Director General Department of Planning [NSW] reminded Council that “any variation under SEPP 1 needs to be consistent with the purpose of the standard, which in some cases may be to limit building bulk and scale.” [note Council was looking at using SEPP 1 to override LEP requirements].

PUDS was prepared with funding from NSW Planning. For Ettalong it recommended: town centre 5 storeys to reflect the height of the Ettalong hotel with The Esplanade foreshore restricted to 2/3 storeys.

CCRS defined Ettalong as a village with town centre height limits of 4/5 storeys and a local catchment population of 2-4000 people. The new Gosford LEP reflects the need to move from ad-hoc re-zonings to a planning system providing certainty for residents and developers. The DLEP sets building heights for the Ettalong at 17 metres – 5 storeys.

The DLEP uses these documents as the basis for future planning on the Woy Woy Peninsula. Ettalong Beach and Umina are classified as village centres. Additionally, the new Gosford Draft Development Control Plan (DDCP) brings together all existing DCP’s in one document.

This submission uses the recommendations set out in the DLEP (and the DDCP) as the appropriate planning guidelines against which the Tesrol Application should be judged.

Building Heights
The Stage 1 building proposed has a building height of 31.3 metres including rooftop plant etc. The DLEP restricts building heights for this site to 17metres. The proposal exceeds the DLEP by 84%. Compared with the roof level height without plant of 28.6 metres, the proposal exceeds the DLEP by 68%. Approval of such variances would completely undermine the DLEP and the community’s expectation that the new DLEP will provide certainty for all parties.

Building Scale
The Stage 1 building development fails to achieve a scale conducive to the desired character of Ettalong envisaged in the DDCP.

The northern face of the building fronting Memorial Avenue is 7 storeys with no step back in heights. It will not provide a pedestrian scale face to Memorial Avenue.

The rear of the building is a continuous 7 storey facade, not unlike the rear elevation of the Ettalong Beach Club. The Ettalong Beach Club north elevation is so unacceptable Gosford Council used it as a reason to support a high-rise building on the old Ettalong Beach Club site to “cover up” this view. The northern elevation prevents all view sharing to the water from properties to the northern side of the CBD.

The western facade to the proposed side lane provides no set back in heights at its northern end: it is not on a pedestrian scale.

It is unclear what the floor space ratio is for the stage 1 building site. The application states that the FSR for the total development is 1.94:1 but does not give separate FSRs for the two developments. It is believed the FSR for the stage 1 site would exceed the limits set out in the new DLEP.

The bulk and scale of the proposed development is excessive and fails to meet the desired character and building scale/form for Ettalong set out in the DDCP.

Central Coast Design Review Panel (CCDRP)
The current plans have not been presented to the Central Coast Design Review Panel for their views. Earlier plans submitted by the applicant were found to be “clearly an excessive overdevelopment and…. would not set a good example for the future built form character of Ettalong [and] should be substantially lower in height, bulk and density…”. The current plans still represent an excessive over-development of the Site and have not been recommended by the CCDRP.

Economic Benefits
The economic benefits referred to in the proposal refer to earlier expectations that a fast ferry service to Sydney would commence from Ettalong. This proposal has now been withdrawn and fuel/climate change matters will probably prevent it being resurrected in the future. Development of the Ettalong beach club was promised as a salvation for the Ettalong commercial centre but this has not proved to be the case. Employment levels at the new club are less than the old club. It is therefore difficult to be certain what economic benefits the proposed development would bring.

Nevertheless, there must be real concern that the considerable additional retail space proposed in this application will be difficult for Ettalong to absorb. A number of retail premises have been unoccupied for a considerable time in Ettalong and the development of Woolworth/Aldi supermarkets in Umina will put additional pressure on the Ettalong commercial centre. Retail café/restaurant outlets in the proposed development will also put considerable pressure on existing CBD cafes/restaurants.

Traffic
When the Ettalong Beach Reserve Plan of Management was approved in 2007 the consultant who prepared the plan recommended that “a traffic study and parking management study be urgently undertaken”. It is believed such a study has not been undertaken.

The loss of a large number of car parking spaces as a result of the proposed development requires Council to address parking requirements in Ettalong. The proposal does not address this matter.

Flood Prone Zone
The proposed development is in a 50 year flood hazard zone and will also be impacted by the NSW Government/Gosford Council acceptance of rising sea level parameters of 90cms by 2100. The implications for this development of flooding/sea level rises are not addressed in the submission.

Summary
In relation to planning guidelines as set out in PUDS, CCRS and, more importantly, the new Gosford DLEP this proposal should be refused. It is excessive in height, bulk and density. Approval of this proposal would seriously undermine NSW’s Planning strategy based on new LEPs designed to deliver planning clarity and certainty to the community and to developers.

The proposal should be refused.

Submissions
Due by June 4 in writing to The Director, Metropolitan Projects, Department of Planning, GPO Box 39 Sydney 2001 or see links at www.planning.nsw.gov.au

WWEC Garden Working Bee + BBQ
Sunday 2 May
It’s short notice, I know, but please, please try to make it to the Woy Woy Environment Centre this Sunday between 9am and 12 noon to help work on the garden. With enough people, we’ll get it finished or near enough. Then BBQ lunch at 12noon – we’ll provide the BBQ but it would be appreciated if a few people bring salads, cakes, etc. Children welcome.

PEG Committee Meeting + FILM: Age of Stupid
Tuesday 4 May
Woy Woy Environment Centre, cnr Blackwall & Billabong Rds
6.30pm Committee Meeting
8pm FILM: Age of Stupid: a couple of members want to see this climate change movie again, if you missed it last time we screened it, feel free to come along.

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PEG NEWS

Please join PEG on Facebook
If you use Facebook, it would help us tremendously if you join the Peninsula Environment Group Facebook group (there’s a link on our www.peg.org.au website). Post an occasional comment about local green issues and invite your locally-based Facebook friends to join too.

Woytopia
PEG will be organising Woytopia, a one-day sustainable living festival in October 2010. We need volunteers to help organise the festival. If you’d like to be part of this exciting event, email Ian Garradd (iangarradd@gmail.com).

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OTHER EVENTS
Local green events and other local green groups are listed on our website (see Calendar and Links).

Saturday 1 May National Permaculture Day Open Day at Kariong EcoGarden 10am-2pm
Saturday 8 May: Save Kariong bushland rally at Kariong EcoGarden, 2pm. Followed by Bambara Rd/hieroglyphs bushwalk.
Sunday 16 May: LETS Trade Day: Kariong EcoGardens 10am-2pm

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NOTICES AND CAMPAIGNS

Draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) – act now!
Gosford Council’s draft LEP is still on display at Woy Woy library and is still open for submissions until 5 May, while the draft COSS Strategy is on display at www.gosford.nsw.gov.au and submissions can be made to Council about it until 17 May (email – subject “Submission on the Draft Coastal Open Space System Strategy). See www.gosford.nsw.gov.au for more on both. There’s a draft letter re: the LEP on the PEG website; www.peg.org.au or see www.cen.org.au for more information. The beautiful bushland around Gosford and the Peninsula is one of the great attractions of living here, and owes much to the vision of previous Councils. Don’t We want the Council to zone it E2 to give it better protection than the proposed zoning in the LEP. That will only happen if the Council get enough submissions, showing that people really do care about this issue.

Bambara Road, Kariong campaign: Rally + Bushwalk
Saturday 8 May 2pm Kariong EcoGardens
This area of bushland (the road to the Kariong hieroglyphics) has development approval to convert to houses. Jake Cassar is leading a campaign to have it retained as bush and made part of the National Park. There’s a rally at Kariong EcoGardens on Saturday 8 May at 2pm, followed by optional bushwalk to Bambara Road.

Tuesday 6th: PEG Movie: Transition Towns, 7pm
What are Transition Towns? Are they the way forward for the green movement? Come along for the Transition Town film followed by a short discussion.

Saturday 10th: WWEC garden working bee, 9am-12pm
A gardening workshop to transform the grounds of the Environment Centre. All welcome – we need as much help as we can get! Children welcome and bring a snack to share if you wish.

Sunday 18th: PEG picnic, 11.30am-2.30pm
Lions Park, Woy Woy, all welcome to our family-friendly social gathering. Bring some food to share. Find out about PEG and meet new green friends! We’re only holding 3 or 4 picnics this year, so don’t miss it!

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PEG NEWS

Facebook
If you are a regular Facebook user and willing to help me build PEG’s presence on Facebook, can you email me at . Thanks.

Green Fair
PEG will be organising a one-day green festival at the Peninsula Community Centre on 31 October 2010. If you’d like to help plan this event, email Ian Garradd (). We also need a name for the festival – email your ideas to Ian. Current suggestions include…

“Woy Woy Green Fair” (simple, self-explanatory)
“Woy Woy Sustainable Living Festival”
“The Sandplain Festival” (Woy Woy is a sandplain, avoids putting people off with words like “green”)

for instance…

The Sandplain Festival
community | arts | sustainable living

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Other events
Local green events and other local green groups are listed on our website (see Calendar and Links).

Gosford Council Energy and Solar Workshop
There’s a free workshop/information session on energy efficiency and solar power at Erina Fair from 1.30-4pm on Saturday 10 April. You need to pre-book by ringing Aaron Harding-Davis or Maree Whelan from the Education Section at Gosford City Council on 4325 8222.

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CAMPAIGN CORNER

Gosford Council LEP (Local Environment Plan)
The draft 2009 LEP is on display at Woy Woy Library until 8 April 2010. The plan introduces NSW State Government rezoning that removes some of the legal protection from development for local bushland such as Blackwall Mountain. You can visit the PEG website www.peg.org.au for a draft letter to register your concern to the Council before 8 April.

Empire Bay electricity substation
Local residents are concerned about the size and appropriateness of a proposed new EnergyAustralia substation in Empire Bay, which will also involve 17km of new overhead electricity transmission cables. Submissions to Gosford Council closed today but I’m sure that won’t be the end of it. For more information, email Claire Wild: .

Bambara Road, Kariong campaign
This area of bushland (along the road leading to the Kariong hieroglyphics) has been given development approval to convert to houses. Local bushtucker expert Jake Cassar is leading a campaign to have it retained as bush and made part of the National Park. For more information, go to Facebook and search for “Save the Sacred Land at Kariong”. The case is awaiting a ruling from the NSW Land And Environment Court.

Mac Attack
Finally, some folk want to oppose a new MacDonald’s in Umina (on Ocean Beach Road). Seach Facebook for Keep Maccas out of Umina. (Sorry, that’s the only contct information I’ve got so far.)

To:
Subject: GOSFORD LEP submission

Dear Mr Wilson
I am very concerned about the loss of environmental protection, inappropriate zones and lack of a long term strategic vision for the identification and protection of high conservation areas and protection of our open space and bushland in general in the draft LEP. In addition, I am concerned that essential information which should inform and be integrated into the LEP ( biodiversity, climate change and native vegetation mapping) has not been included in the document despite being current and available. I am not convinced that other types of planning instruments are sufficient to address these issues as contended by Council officers.

I submit that the whole LEP needs to be reviewed, changed and re exhibited to ensure that all these matters are adequately addressed.

In addition I submit the following more detailed comments:
1. The LEP should have an Environmental protection zone (other than national parks) that excludes any residential housing.

2. All the lands acquired by Council for the Coastal Open Space system (COSS Lands, ridgelines etc) should be zoned E2 – Environmental Conservation (not RE1 which allows for things such as motor racing tracks, caravan parks, paint ball centres, restaurants and much more) and this zone’s definition should be changed or an additional E zone added to create a zoning option which prohibits residential housing.

3. Similarly, other sensitive lands including bushland reserves and land of conservation importance also be zoned E2 Environmental Conservation not RE1. Including, but not limited to:
Pearl Beach
Pearl Beach Arboretum,
Pearl beach bushland foreshore areas
Pearl Beach lagoon and creek??
Crown lands at the end of Amethyst Ave that adjoin the national park (known as the Mazlin farm and around the fire station)
Paul Landa Reserve
Woy Woy Peninsula
Umina Coastal Sand plain Woodland (UCSW) next to the Umina Caravan Park,
any other UCSW land in public ownership,
Burrawang Bushland Reserve at Hillview St Woy Woy
Rainforest area and Bushland between Mt Ettalong Rd Umina Beach/Caravan Park
Blackwall Mountain
Mt Ettalong headland,
Steep lands between Pearl Beach estate and National Park
Steep land currently 6a behind Sylvania Rd /Othanna
Steep land off Neera Rd, Umina– palm tree grove,
Kahibah lagoon/wetland
Everglades lagoon/wetland
Iluka lagoon/wetland
Kahibah, Ettalong and Iluka creeks
Umina, Ocean Beach and Ettalong Beach Dunes including bushland areas along foreshore.
Steep land behind Koolewong
Area next to St John the Baptist catholic school off Warramunga Clse
Public reserve off Nagari Rd Woy Woy Sth Bushland

4.The Gosford LEP should include a biodiversity clause and associated mapping to protect its high conservation areas such as, endangered ecological communities, wetlands, rainforests, hanging swamps, wildlife corridors. Such a clause would not prohibit development – but would trigger a higher level of environmental assessment in areas where for example there are endangered flora or fauna or endangered ecological communities. This clause is critical to protect and effectively manage our high conservation lands which occur across many different land use and land ownership types.

5.The LEP should include mechanisms to protect clearing of native vegetation either by including a clause in the LEP and then seeking to have the Gosford LGA listed on the schedule of Native Vegetation Act 2003 to exclude its operation in Gosford (as done by Hawkesbury Council) or by including an additional clause in the LEP which requires consent for the clearing of native vegetation. The draft LEP allows for clearing of native vegetation without any assessments or approvals – it does not protect native vegetation on either conservation or other zoned land, this is quite unacceptable.

6.There is no consideration of climate change impacts including sea level rise and impacts on biodiversity. Gosford was ranked third most at risk in a national assessment of coastal vulnerability as a result of sea level rise.
The LEP needs to have a clause which allows for considerations of the impact of climate change on land and for modifications as more information becomes known about sea level rise and the likely impact of climate change. Council’s current climate change mapping which shows likely sea level rises should be an overlay on the LEP mapping.

Yours sincerely

Please have a read and post comments below…

PEGs provisional program for 2010 will include an evening committee meeting every second month, followed by a talk, discussion or film, plus a quarterly family-friendly PEG Picnic, probably at Lions Park on a Sunday afternoon, plus three Sunday morning bushwalks over the winter. We may also run one-off events such as film screenings, visits, etc (see below).

We will be focusing a lot of effort on the Food Network (see Food) and recruiting more members.

Festival
We are discussing holding a Woy Woy Green Festival, probably in October, in conjunction with other local groups. This would be a lot bigger (hopefully) than our Sustainable Living Days of the previous two years, and probably our main project for the year.

Ideas for one-off events
(please post your own ideas below)
Kimbriki
Woy Woy Landfill – biogas plant
Sustainable House Day visit
Visit to Mangrove Mountain farms
Purple Pear

Please add your input below.
Mark

(Bear with us, as this is a bit of a trial run, we’ll see if this system works.)