A letter from the Patonga Progress Association regarding the Management Plan, to all Pearl Beach residents.
PATONGA CROWN LANDS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
Patonga residents and property owners are facing draconian measures under a Draft Plan of Management for Crown Lands in Patonga prepared by Crown Lands and Gosford Council. The Draft Plan proposes a number of measures which directly affect the community and which threaten the peaceful lifestyle we enjoy. The Plan is part of a requirement by Councils to prepare plans of management for all public land under their jurisdiction, which means that at some time in the future Pearl beach may experience a similar process.,
The Plan was prepared without community consultation to identify either the views of the community or many of the issues which affect our lives. We were given 42 days to respond or it would become final, and only after strong representation by the community was the closing date for submissions extended to May 26.
While some recommendations are not significant, the thrust of the Plan is improving the return to Council through upgrading the caravan park, and making Patonga a tourist destination, one which conflicts with community wishes and has serious implications for traffic and parking on Patonga Drive and in the village.
Measures proposed include:
• the relocation of tennis courts from their present position in Bay Street adjoining the caravan park to a proposed location on the Eve Williams Memorial Oval and turning the present tennis courts into an overflow car park for the Caravan Park;
• floodlighting the Oval;
• extending parking in front of the Patonga Hotel;
• undertaking further dune restoration which has been specifically rejected by the community;
• encouraging more commercial activities around the wharf and beach area;
• gating the caravan park and controlling access, and reducing the parking available for creek residents in the area of the creek boat ramp;
• introducing charging for boats parked on the foreshore and requiring them to be stacked in racks;
• converting an attractive picnic area at the Patonga Street entrance to the caravan park into a car park;
• assessing the opportunity for privatising the caravan park, which may require cabins or similar facilities to become profitable.Patonga Progress Association is seeking the support of Pearl Beach residents on issues which are of mutual concern. Submissions may cover general issues, or if you wish to view the draft plan click here.
Letters, which can be by email, should be sent to
Senior Manager – Hunter
NSW Trade and Investment – Crown Lands
PO Box 2215
DANGAR, NSW 2309Or email; MaitlandCrownLands@lands.nsw.gov.au
Dain Simpson
President
Patonga Beach Progress Association
dain.simpson@gmail.com
0416025274