Tesch opposes reserve reclassification and sale
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch has spoken out against the reclassification and sale of land in Austin Butler reserve next to Peninsula Plaza in Woy Woy.
She urged residents "to continue to fight to protect the significant stand of paperbark and she-oak trees" on the land.
Central Coast Council decided at its meeting on Tuesday, August 22, to proceed immediately toreclassify the land from "community" land to "operational" land, paving the way for its sale.
She said concerned residents should "get actively involved in Council's community consultation to save the paperbarks from destruction and help preserve the space for today and for future generations".
Ms Tesch said: "In my ongoing discussions with Mr Rik Hart, Administrator for Central Coast Council, I have asserted that the community must be consulted on this change and the community must be listened to regarding the future of this site, and by extension, the future of Woy Woy town centre.
"Our Peninsula's environmental problems are already well documented as is ongoing tree loss due to development and issues such as the urban heat island effect.
"We need to continue working together as a community, to speak up and oppose the possible removal of this unique stand of trees - one of a dwindling number here on the Peninsula.
"Our community have already loudly shown their opposition to the sale of Council community assets and together we need to continue to speak out and oppose the possible removal of this unique green space."
Ms Tesch encourages locals concerned about the potential loss of Woy Woy's green space to make their voice known to Council.
She encouraged locals to sign her petition at https://www.liesltesch.com.au/community/petitions/petitions/, to contact her office at gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au or to sign in person at her office at 20 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.
"I will continue to communicate the community's concerns to Central Coast Council."
SOURCE:
Media release, 21 Aug 2023
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford